eggshell

[eg-shel]

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.

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

/ 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

adjective

1. of a yellowish-white colour

   eggshell paint

Word History and Origins

Origin of eggshell¹

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

Example Sentences

He says medics continue to feel like they are "walking on eggshells" and are often too afraid to raise patient safety concerns.

From BBC

Citing an expert, Fang said chickens pecking in soil with high levels of lead and arsenic will accumulate the toxins in their bodies and eggshells.

From Los Angeles Times

While he was there, it appeared that everyone was "on eggshells" with leaders smiling, but wary that "you don't quite know what is going to shift".

From BBC

French winemakers are walking on eggshells at the moment, fearful of saying anything that might aggravate the situation.

From BBC

But later investigations revealed that the site was littered with eagle eggshells — the child had likely been taken by birds of prey, not an uncommon fate for mammals of small stature.

From Salon