Pronunciation

/shel/

Definitions

Noun

A shell (noun) can refer to:

1. The outer protective covering of a mollusk or other sea creature: The seashell was filled with sand.
2. The outer covering of a nut or fruit: The walnut shell is hard and brown.
3. A hollow structure or container made from a material like wood or metal: The wooden boat had a beautiful mahogany shell.
4. In computing, the outermost layer of a software application or operating system: Click on the Start button to open the Windows shell.
5. A person’s outer appearance or persona: She put on a brave face, though her heart was breaking.

Verb

To shell (verb) can mean:

1. To remove the outer layer or covering from a fruit or nut: She shelled the peas for dinner.
2. In computing, to execute a command or script: The user shelled out to run a backup script.
3. (informal) To defeat or overpower someone easily: The team easily shellacked their opponents in the game.

Adjective

In some contexts, “shell-shocked” is an adjective referring to someone who has experienced severe emotional trauma, especially after combat: The soldier was shell-shocked after witnessing the battle.

Phrases

• “Put on your armor” can metaphorically mean to prepare or present oneself confidently.
• “Shell out” is used to describe the act of spending money, especially extravagantly: They had to shell out a lot for the new car.
• “Shell game” refers to a deceptive trick involving moving objects to confuse people: He saw through the simple shell game the con artist was trying to pull.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She collected seashells while on vacation at the beach.”
• Verb: “He decided to shell the house before putting it on the market.”
• Adjective: “The soldiers were shell-shocked after the intense battle.”

Synonyms

• Outer covering
• Housing
• Encasement
• Framework
• Exterior
• Armor
• Command prompt (computing)
• Unhinged (shell-shocked)