hard-shelled
|hard/shelled|
B2
🇺🇸
/hɑrd ʃɛld/
🇬🇧
/hɑːd ʃɛld/
firm outer covering
Etymology
Etymology Information
'hard-shelled' originates from the combination of 'hard' and 'shelled', where 'hard' meant 'solid or firm' and 'shelled' referred to having a shell.
Historical Evolution
'hard-shelled' evolved from the Old English word 'heard' meaning 'firm' and 'scell' meaning 'shell', eventually forming the modern English word 'hard-shelled'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'having a firm shell', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a hard outer covering or shell.
The hard-shelled turtle is difficult to crack open.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45