Search the Dictionary

A flattened marine univalve shell of the genus Haliotis; -- called also sea-ear. See Abalone.

The shell or exterior covering of an egg. Also used figuratively for anything resembling an eggshell.

A marine univalve shell of the genus Pyrula, or Ficula, resembling a fig in form.

One of numerous species of marine gastropod shells, belonging to Ranella and allied genera.

A large, handsome, marine, univalve shell (Triton femorale).

A sharp-edged, tubular, marine shell, of the genus Vermetus; also, the pinna. See Vermetus.

Unyielding; insensible to argument; uncompromising; strict. [Collog., U.S.]

To hide in a shell. [Obs.] Shak.

The shell of a large Dentalium (D. pretiosum), formerly used as shell money, and for ornaments, by the Indians of the west coast of North America.

A large, pearly, spiral, marine shell (Turbo margaritaceus), from the Pacific Islands. It is used as an ornament.

A chiton.

Any spiral marine shell of the genus Persona, having a curiously twisted aperture.

The shell or hard external covering in which the kernel of a nut is inclosed.

A small British and American pond snail (Bulinus hypnorum).

Any one of numerous species of small white polished marine shells of the genus Olivella.

The shell of any marine mollusk.

Any species of Pleurotomaria, a genus of beautiful, pearly, spiral gastropod shells having a deep slit in the outer lip. Many fossil species are known, and a few living ones are found in deep water in tropical seas.

Having a soft or fragile shell. Soft-shell clam (Zoöl.), the long clam. See Mya. -- Soft-shelled crab. (Zoöl.) See the Note under Crab, 1. -- Soft-shelled turtle. (Zoöl.) Same as Soft tortoise, under Soft.

Any marine gastropod shell of the genus Apporhais having an elongated siphon. See Illust. under Rostrifera.

Any one of several species of handsome gastropod shells of the genus Trochus, or Imperator. The shell is conical, with the margin toothed somewhat like the rowel of a spur.