eggshell

American  

[eg-shel] / ˈɛgˌʃɛl /

noun

1. the shell of a bird's egg, consisting of keratin fibers and calcite crystals.

2. a pale yellowish-white color.

3. rather bulky paper having a slightly rough finish.

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adjective

1. like an eggshell, as in thinness and delicacy; very brittle; fragile.

2. being pale yellowish-white in color.

3. having little or no gloss.

   eggshell white paint.

eggshell British  

/ ˈɛɡˌʃɛl /

noun

1. the hard porous protective outer layer of a bird's egg, consisting of calcite and protein

2. a yellowish-white colour

3. a type of paper with a slightly rough finish

4. (modifier) (of paint) having a very slight sheen

   an eggshell finish

5. to be very cautious or diplomatic for fear of upsetting someone

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adjective

1. of a yellowish-white colour

   eggshell paint

Etymology

Origin of eggshell

First recorded in 1250–1300, eggshell is from the Middle English word ayschelle. See egg ¹, shell

Example Sentences

Ms Dodsworth added that her family "would be on eggshells" around Wignall whenever they came over, "because they were frightened of him too".

From BBC

Instead of focusing on surrounding minerals or skeletal remains, Dr. Tucker and his colleagues turned their attention to fossilized dinosaur eggshells.

From Science Daily

A few days into the first leg, Mr. Tesson’s party gingerly navigated a ridge at risk of avalanche, “tiptoeing over Fabergé eggshells.”

From The Wall Street Journal

While investors walk on eggshells anticipating Fed decisions, tariff relief, and evanescent cease-fires, one company is steadily feeding investors nutritious dividends, cash flows, and earnings per share growth.

From Barron's

And his shoes were exactly the same eggshell color.

From Literature