shell

[ʃel]

shell Definition

• 1. the hard protective outer layer of an animal, insect, or plant, especially one that covers an egg, nut, seed, or some other part
• 2. a casing or housing that encloses something
• 3. a hollow projectile for firing from a gun or mortar

Using shell: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shell" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The turtle retreated into its shell.

• Example

  The shell of the egg was cracked.

• Example

  The computer is housed in a sleek aluminum shell.

• Example

  The artillery unit fired shells at the enemy position.

shell Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shell

• covering
• case
• casing
• enclosure
• pod

Idioms Using shell

• come out of one's shell

  to become more sociable and outgoing

  Example

  After joining the drama club, she came out of her shell and made many new friends.

• shell of a person

  someone who is physically present but emotionally or mentally absent

  Example

  After the tragic accident, he became a shell of a person, unable to connect with others.

• shell game

  a deceptive gambling game in which a small ball or pea is quickly moved around under three small cups or shells, and the player must guess which cup it is under

  Example

  The street hustler tricked the tourist with a shell game.

Phrases with shell

• shell out

  to pay a large amount of money for something

  Example

  I had to shell out $500 for the car repair.

• shell shock

  a psychological condition caused by prolonged exposure to active warfare, especially being under bombardment

  Example

  Many soldiers suffered from shell shock during World War I.

• shell company

  a company that exists only on paper and has no office or employees but may have a bank account and engage in financial transactions

  Example

  The businessman used a shell company to hide his illegal activities.

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Summary: shell in Brief

The term 'shell' [ʃel] refers to a hard outer layer that protects animals, insects, plants, eggs, nuts, seeds, or other parts. It also denotes a casing or housing that encloses something, such as a computer or artillery projectile. Phrases like 'shell out' and 'shell company' extend the meaning to paying a large amount of money or creating a paper company for financial transactions. Idioms like 'come out of one's shell' and 'shell of a person' describe social and emotional states, while 'shell game' refers to a deceptive gambling game.