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shell
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- pronunciation:
- shel
- parts of speech:
- noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
- phrases:
- shell out
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a hard outer covering of a mollusk, which is being continually created by the animal itself and serves to protect it from injury and from predators.
We found many discarded shells of clams and mussels on the beach.
- similar words:
- armor, shield
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| definition 2: |
the material of which such a covering is composed.
The jewelry is inlaid with abalone shell. |
| definition 3: |
a usu. hard, protective outer layer of an animal's body.
a turtle's shella beetle's shell
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| definition 4: |
a hard, protective structure that completely surrounds a developing animal, such as a bird or reptile.
We watched the baby bird hatch from its shell.
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| definition 5: |
an outer casing of a nut or other fruit.
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| definition 6: |
any outer layer that holds or protects, such as the outer walls of a building or the hull of a vessel.
- similar words:
- shield
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| definition 7: |
a piece of dough that is shaped in order to hold a filling, such as for a pie or taco, and which becomes crisp when baked or fried.
I'll put that pie shell in the oven now; the filling goes in later.Did you buy the shells for the tacos? |
| definition 8: |
a cylindrical piece of ammunition, esp. for an artillery piece or a shotgun.
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| definition 9: |
a long, light, narrow racing boat propelled by oars.
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| definition 10: |
an attitude, manner, or state of mind that results in hiding one's feelings or avoiding human interactions.
After his defeat, he withdrew into a shell. |
| related words: |
bilge, case, exterior, external, lead, missile, outside |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
shells, shelling, shelled |
| definition 1: |
to remove the shell or shells of.
We shelled the crabs. |
| definition 2: |
to bombard with artillery.
They shelled the enemy position for hours.- similar words:
- bombard
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to shed or come out of a shell or shells.
These peas shell easily. |
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| phrase: |
shell out |
| derivations: |
shell-less (adj.), shell-like (adj.) |
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