How Do You Spell SHELL?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɛl] (IPA)

The word "shell" is spelled with four letters and two syllables. The IPA phonetic transcription for "shell" is /ʃɛl/ . The first sound, /ʃ/, is a voiceless postalveolar fricative that is pronounced with the tongue near the roof of the mouth. The second sound, /ɛ/, is an open-mid front unrounded vowel, pronounced with the mouth slightly open and the tongue forward. The final sound, /l/, is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, pronounced with the tongue touching the alveolar ridge.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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SHELL Meaning and Definition

  1. Shell can be defined as a hard protective covering or outer layer that serves as a structural element for various organisms or objects. It is often composed of a tough, rigid material such as bone, exoskeleton, chitin, or calcified tissue. Shells serve as a shield against physical harm, predators, and environmental factors.

    In the context of animals, a shell generally refers to the external covering of certain aquatic or land-dwelling creatures. For instance, mollusks such as snails, clams, and mussels possess shells that provide protection and support. These shells are typically made of calcium carbonate and are secreted by the animal itself as it grows. In addition to safeguarding the organism, shells also help maintain moisture and offer a site for attachment of muscles.

    Aside from biological connotations, the term "shell" has wide-ranging applications. It can refer to the tough outer casing of a nut or the hard outer layer of an egg. In the realm of technology, a shell represents a command-line interface in a computer operating system, allowing users to interact with the system by typing commands. Additionally, in warfare, "shell" denotes a projectile containing explosive material that is shot from guns or launched from artillery to inflict damage on the enemy.

    Overall, the term "shell" encompasses various meanings depending on the context, but it primarily refers to a hard, protective covering or outer layer that serves different purposes in biology, nature, technology, and warfare.

  2. • The hard or stony covering of some fruits and seeds, and of certain animals, as crabs; a pod or seed-case; the stony covering of a mollusc, as the mussel, the oyster, &c.; the hard outer coat or covering of anything; a husk; in mil., a hollow shot filled with an explosive and destructive compound; a common coffin.
    • To strip or break off the shell; to be freed from the husk; in mil., to fire shells at.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SHELL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SHELL

Etymology of SHELL

The word "shell" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "scealu" or "sceal", which referred to a protective covering or husk. This Old English word is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word *skalō, meaning "a thin piece of wood or bark". It is further related to the Old Norse word "skjǫl", meaning "shield" or "a shell". This Proto-Germanic root *skalō is also be connected to the Latin word "scutula", meaning "a small shield" or "a cake", and the Old High German word "scala", meaning "flake" or "chip". Ultimately, the origins of the word "shell" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *skel-, which conveys the idea of covering, protecting, or dividing.

Idioms with the word SHELL

  • in a nut shell The idiom "in a nut shell" means to summarize or explain a topic or situation in a brief and concise manner. It refers to providing a condensed version or the essence of something, similar to the idea of fitting a large thought or idea into a small nut shell.
  • bring sb out of their shell, at come out of your shell The idiom "bring someone out of their shell" or "come out of your shell" is used to describe someone who is usually shy, introverted, or reserved, but is encouraged or prompted to be more social, outgoing, and confident. It implies helping a person to break free from their inhibited nature and engage more comfortably in social interactions.
  • be out of (one's) shell To "be out of one's shell" means to become more outgoing, sociable, or confident, especially after being timid, reserved, or introverted. It suggests that someone is no longer hiding or keeping to themselves, but has started to engage with others or express themselves more openly.
  • shell out sth The idiom "shell out sth" means to spend or pay a significant amount of money for something, often unwillingly or with reluctance. It implies that the amount of money being spent is considerable or surprising.
  • crawl/go/retreat/retire into your shell The idiom "crawl/go/retreat/retire into your shell" means to withdraw from social interaction and become introverted or reserved, often due to feeling shy, overwhelmed, or in need of solitude. It is derived from the behavior of certain animals, particularly turtles, who retract their bodies into their shells for protection and isolation.
  • a shell game "A shell game" is an idiom that refers to a deceptive or manipulative act of tricking someone through elaborate and confusing tactics, making it difficult to determine the truth or reality of a situation. It is often used to describe a scenario where someone is attempting to hide or obscure something by constantly shifting attention or focus, much like the street hustle game involving hiding an object (such as a pea) beneath one of several cups or shells and shuffling them rapidly to confuse the participant.
  • come out of shell The idiom "come out of shell" means to become more outgoing, sociable, or confident; to overcome one's shyness or introverted nature.
  • bring out of shell The idiom "bring out of shell" means to encourage or help someone become more sociable, outgoing, or confident. It refers to a person who is usually shy, introverted, or reserved, and the process of helping them open up, express themselves, and interact more easily with others.
  • go, retreat, withdraw, etc. into your shell The idiom "go, retreat, withdraw, etc. into your shell" means to become introverted, reserved, or isolated, often due to feeling shy, uncomfortable, or wanting to protect oneself from others. It derives from the behavior of a turtle or other shelled animals that retract into their shells as a defense mechanism.
  • shell out (an amount of money) The idiom "shell out (an amount of money)" means to spend or pay a significant or sometimes large amount of money. It implies the act of willingly giving or handing over money for a particular purpose or purchase.
  • go into (one's) shell The idiom "go into (one's) shell" means to withdraw or become introverted in response to difficult or uncomfortable situations. It often refers to a person's tendency to become guarded, silent, or isolated when facing criticism, confrontation, or unfamiliar social settings.
  • shell game The idiom "shell game" refers to a deceptive or fraudulent activity in which a person hides an object, typically a small ball or pea, under one of three or more cups or shells, then shuffles them rapidly in an attempt to confuse and trick others into guessing incorrectly which one holds the hidden object. This idiom is commonly used to describe manipulative or dishonest practices aimed at misleading people, often in financial or dishonest endeavors.
  • come out of (or retreat into) your shell The idiom "come out of (or retreat into) your shell" means to either become more sociable and outgoing, or to become more reserved and introverted. It refers to a person's tendency to either engage more with others and show their true personality (coming out of their shell) or to withdraw and become more closed off (retreating into their shell).
  • shell an amount of money out The idiom "shell an amount of money out" means to reluctantly or unwillingly pay a large sum of money, often for something that is perceived as expensive or of questionable value. It implies that paying the specified amount requires a significant effort or sacrifice.
  • come out of one's shell The idiom "come out of one's shell" means to become more outgoing, sociable, or confident, especially after being shy, reserved, or introverted. It refers to an individual's transition from being quiet and withdrawn to being more open and engaging with others.
  • shell out The definition of the idiom "shell out" is to spend or pay a relatively large amount of money, often unwillingly or reluctantly. It implies a situation where a person is required to part with a significant sum of money.
  • drop a bomb(shell) The idiom "drop a bomb(shell)" typically means to deliver shocking or unexpected news or information that has a significant impact on others. It refers to the act of releasing a bomb from an aircraft, which causes destructive and unforeseen consequences. In a figurative sense, it signifies the act of revealing something surprising or unsettling that can leave people stunned or disturbed.
  • bring (one) out of one's shell The idiom "bring (one) out of one's shell" means to encourage or help someone become more sociable, confident, or outgoing. It refers to helping an individual become less shy or introverted and encouraging them to be more open and active in social situations.
  • crawl into (one's) shell The idiom "crawl into (one's) shell" means to withdraw from social interactions or retreat into one's own introverted or cautious state. It refers to the behavior of a person who becomes reserved, quiet, and hesitant to engage with others, much like a turtle retracting into its shell for protection.
  • to go, retreat, etc. into your shell The idiom "to go into your shell" typically refers to the act of becoming introverted, shy, or aloof. It implies that someone withdraws from social interactions or becomes less talkative and more reserved, resembling a turtle retracting into its shell for protection.
  • come out of your shell The idiom "come out of your shell" means to become more sociable, open, or confident, especially for someone who is naturally shy or introverted. It refers to someone overcoming their inhibitions or withdrawing nature to actively engage and participate in social situations.
  • hard-shell The idiom "hard-shell" typically refers to someone who is rigid, inflexible, or uncompromising in their beliefs or opinions. It can also refer to someone who is tough, resilient, or stubborn.
  • bomb(shell) The idiom "bomb(shell)" refers to a shocking or surprising event or piece of news that catches someone off guard or causes a great impact. It can also refer to a very attractive or stunning person, often used informally to describe a woman.

Similar spelling words for SHELL

Plural form of SHELL is SHELLS

Conjugate verb Shell

CONDITIONAL

I would shell
you would shell
he/she/it would shell
we would shell
they would shell

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be shelling
you would be shelling
he/she/it would be shelling
we would be shelling
they would be shelling

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have shell
you would have shell
he/she/it would have shell
we would have shell
they would have shell

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been shelling
you would have been shelling
he/she/it would have been shelling
we would have been shelling
they would have been shelling

FUTURE

I will shell
you will shell
he/she/it will shell
we will shell
they will shell

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be shelling
you will be shelling
he/she/it will be shelling
we will be shelling
they will be shelling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have shelled
you will have shelled
he/she/it will have shelled
we will have shelled
they will have shelled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been shelling
you will have been shelling
he/she/it will have been shelling
we will have been shelling
they will have been shelling

IMPERATIVE

you shell
we let´s shell

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to shell

PAST

I shelled
you shelled
he/she/it shelled
we shelled
they shelled

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was shelling
you were shelling
he/she/it was shelling
we were shelling
they were shelling

PAST PARTICIPLE

shelled

PAST PERFECT

I had shelled
you had shelled
he/she/it had shelled
we had shelled
they had shelled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been shelling
you had been shelling
he/she/it had been shelling
we had been shelling
they had been shelling

PRESENT

I shell
you shell
he/she/it shells
we shell
they shell

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am shelling
you are shelling
he/she/it is shelling
we are shelling
they are shelling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

shelling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have shelled
you have shelled
he/she/it has shelled
we have shelled
they have shelled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been shelling
you have been shelling
he/she/it has been shelling
we have been shelling
they have been shelling
I would have shelled
we would have shelled
you would have shelled
he/she/it would have shelled
they would have shelled

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Correct spelling for shell
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