shell
UK: ʃel | US: ʃel
n. the hard protective outer layer of certain organisms (e.g., mollusks, eggs)
n. a hollow projectile filled with explosives
n. the outer framework or structure of something (e.g., a building)
vt. to remove the shell from something (e.g., nuts, peas)
vi. to bombard with artillery shells
The word "shell" traces back to Old English sciell or scell, meaning "a hard covering" or "husk." It shares Proto-Germanic roots with Dutch schil and German Schale, all deriving from the Proto-Indo-European root skel- ("to cut" or "split"), reflecting the idea of a separable outer layer. Over time, its meaning expanded to include projectiles (16th century) and structural frameworks (19th century), metaphorically extending the concept of a protective or enclosing layer.
She collected colorful seashells along the beach.
The artillery unit fired a shell at the enemy position.
The architect designed the building’s steel shell.
He carefully shelled the peanuts before eating them.
The turtles hatch and immediately seek shelter in their shells.