carapace — the hard upper shell of a turtle, crab, or other arthropod
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the hard upper shell of a turtle, crab, or other arthropod
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkærəˌpeɪs/
Example Sentences
- The hermit crab was shopping for a new carapace at the underwater real estate market.
- Scientists studied the fossilized carapace to understand ancient marine life.
- The lobster's bright red carapace made it look like a swimming sports car.
carapace
NOUN[/ˈkærəˌpeɪs/]
the hard upper shell of a turtle, crab, or other arthropod
The sea turtle's thick carapace protects it from sharp coral as it glides past.
The crab's hard carapace acted like natural armor, protecting its soft body from the rocks. (Think: CARAPACE → ARMOR: A crab has a hard outer covering.)
The turtle's carapace gave it a protective embrace that nothing could easily replace.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Spanish 'carapacho' meaning turtle shell. The word entered English in the 16th century and became a biological term for the hard upper shell of crustaceans and other arthropods.
Breakdown
cara- (relating to shell/covering) + -pacho (Spanish suffix for objects or containers)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The hermit crab was shopping for a new carapace at the underwater real estate market.”
“Scientists studied the fossilized carapace to understand ancient marine life.”
“The lobster's bright red carapace made it look like a swimming sports car.”
📚Related Words
Antonyms
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