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Carapace - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A carapace is the hard, protective outer shell of certain animals, such as turtles, crabs, or insects. It serves as armor to shield the creature’s body from harm.

carapace

/ˈkærəpeɪs/ /ˈkærəpeɪs/

Definition:

The hard protective shell of a turtle, crustacean, or arachnid.

Synonyms:

shell, armor, shield, exoskeleton

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

softness, vulnerability

Common Collocations:

turtle carapace, hard carapace, protective carapace

Derivatives:

carapaced, carapacial

Usage Tips:

Use "carapace" to describe the hard outer layer of animals like turtles or crabs.

Common Phrases:

under one's carapace, armored carapace, protective carapace

Etymology:

Derived from Spanish "carapacho," meaning a hard covering or shell.

Examples:

  • 1. The turtle retreated into its carapace when startled.
  • 2. The crab's colorful carapace shimmered in the sunlight.
  • 3. Scientists study the growth rings on a tortoise's carapace.
  • 4. Her emotional walls acted like a psychological carapace.

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