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half shell

American  

noun

  1. either of the halves of a double-shelled creature, as of an oyster, clam, or other bivalve mollusk.


Etymology

Origin of half shell

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Our food writers have recommended the roasted oysters in chipotle bourbon butter with toasted baguette, raw oysters on the half shell or trying to shuck yourself for a DIY experience.

From Seattle Times May 29, 2022

Muscadet, the crisp white wine from the region near the mouth of the Loire River, is a traditional match for oysters on the half shell.

From Washington Post Aug. 6, 2021

To me, that’s life on a half shell.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 30, 2020

Things got underway with oysters on the half shell and crisp crackers, followed by clear broth with sherry and thin toast.

From Washington Times Dec. 24, 2018

Today we make five pounds of shrimp, some clams on the half shell, four vegetable trays with broccoli, cauliflower, celery and carrots, and three trays of mushroom vol-au-vents.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King

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