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shell

 
 
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
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
 
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.
 
definition 5: an outer casing of a nut or other fruit.
 
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
definition 7: a cylindrical piece of ammunition, esp. for an artillery piece or a shotgun.
definition 8: a long, light, narrow racing boat propelled by oars.
definition 9: 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.
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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
 
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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See
  crustacean, mollusk, reptile, war, weapon