hard-shell

[hahrd-shel]

adjective

1. Also hard-shelled having a firm, hard shell, as a crab in its normal state; not having recently molted.

2. rigid or uncompromising.

noun

1. hard-shell crab.

hard-shell

adjective

1. zoology having a shell or carapace that is thick, heavy, or hard

2. strictly orthodox

noun

1. another name for the quahog

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-shell¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

"Depending on the contaminant and its chemistry, if it is small enough to pass through the gills of the mussel, it has the potential to accumulate in their tissue or precipitate within the hard-shell structure."

From Science Daily

And, owners get a zippered hard-shell case with room for the controller, a netted area for cables and a place to hold the accessory storage box.

From Washington Times

Nerds, another Ferrara brand, has a hard-shell version.

From Washington Times

She’s carrying a ginormous hard-shell cello case.

From Literature

His hard-shell suitcase lay open on the bed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• armor 
• defense 
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