First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shell
noun \ˈshel\
: the hard outer covering of an animal, insect, etc., that protects it
: the hard outer covering of an egg
: the hard outer covering of a nut, fruit, or seed
Full Definition of SHELL
1
a : a hard rigid usually largely calcareous covering or support of an animal b : the hard or tough often thin outer covering of an egg (as of a bird or reptile) — see egg illustration
2
: the covering or outside part of a fruit or seed especially when hard or fibrous
3
: shell material (as of mollusks or turtles) or their substance
4
: something that resembles a shell: as a : a framework or exterior structure; especially : a building with an unfinished interior b (1) : an external case or outside covering <the shell of a ship> (2) : a thin usually spherical layer or surface enclosing a space or surrounding an object <an expanding shell of gas around a neutron star> c : a casing without substance <mere effigies and shells of men — Thomas Carlyle> d : an edible crust for holding a filling <a pastry shell> <a taco salad in a tortilla shell> e : band shell f : a small beer glass g : an unlined article of outerwear
5
: a shell-bearing mollusk
6
: an impersonal attitude or manner that conceals the presence or absence of feeling <he retreated into his shell>
7
: a narrow light racing boat propelled by one or more persons pulling oars or sculls
8
: any of the regions occupied by the orbits of a group of electrons of approximately equal energy surrounding the nucleus of an atom
9
a : a projectile for cannon containing an explosive bursting charge b : a metal or paper case which holds the charge of powder and shot or bullet used with breech-loading small arms
10
: a plain usually sleeveless blouse or sweater
11
: a company or corporation that exists without assets or independent operations as a legal entity through which another company or corporation can conduct various dealings
— shell adjective
See shell defined for English-language learners
See shell defined for kids
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Origin of SHELL
Middle English, from Old English sciell; akin to Old English scealu shell, Old Norse skel, Lithuanian skelti to split, Greek skallein to hoe
Related to SHELL
2shell
verb
: to remove the shell or outer covering of (something)
: to shoot shells at (someone or something) using large guns
: to score heavily against (a pitcher) in baseball
Full Definition of SHELL
transitive verb1
a : to take out of a natural enclosing cover (as a shell, husk, pod, or capsule) <shell peanuts> b : to separate the kernels of (as an ear of Indian corn, wheat, or oats) from the cob, ear, or husk
3
: to score heavily against (as an opposing pitcher in baseball)
intransitive verb
1
: to fall or scale off in thin pieces
2
: to cast the shell or exterior covering : fall out of the pod or husk <nuts which shell in falling>
3
: to gather shells (as from a beach)
See shell defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHELL
1562
SHELL Defined for Kids
1shell
noun \ˈshel\
Definition of SHELL for Kids
1
: a stiff hard covering of an animal (as a turtle, oyster, or crab)
2
: the tough outer covering of an egg
3
: the outer covering of a nut, fruit, or seed especially when hard or tough <walnut shells>
4
: something like a shell (as in shape, function, or material) <a pastry shell>
5
: a narrow light racing boat rowed by one or more persons
6
: a metal or paper case holding the explosive charge and the shot or object to be fired from a gun or cannon
— shelled \ˈsheld\ adjective <soft-shelled crabs>
2shell
verb
shelledshell·ing
Definition of SHELL for Kids
1
: to remove the shell or outer covering of <shell nuts>
2
: to remove the kernels of grain from (as a cob of corn)
3
: to shoot shells at or upon <They shelled the enemy troops.>
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