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

You must also save as much of the eggshell as possible.

From Literature

Are you walking on eggshells around certain issues, or purposely avoiding topics because they feel too risky to discuss?

From BBC

On the United States, he's walking on eggshells.

From Barron's

It would be several years, however, until she did not feel as if she was walking on eggshells, terrified that she might put a foot wrong and have her daughter leave again.

From BBC

They were as white as eggshells and looked just as delicate.

From Literature