carapace
noun
The hard upper shell of a turtle, tortoise, or crustacean; any hard protective outer covering. Figuratively, emotional armor or defensive exterior.
Etymology
From Spanish "carapacho" (shell), possibly from a pre-Roman Iberian word. The term entered English in the 19th century through scientific usage.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The turtle withdrew into its protective carapace."
- 2.
"She developed an emotional carapace after years of criticism."
- 3.
"The crab's carapace must be shed as it grows."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Sea turtles cannot retract into their carapaces like land turtles—their shells are flatter and fused to their spine. This adaptation makes them better swimmers but more vulnerable to predators.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 8 letters (C, A, R, A, P, A, C, E)
Scrabble Value: 14 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "CA" at the start of words.
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