carapace

noun

car·​a·​pace ˈker-ə-ˌpās How to pronounce carapace (audio)
ˈka-rə-
1
: a bony or chitinous case or shield covering the back or part of the back of an animal (such as a turtle or crab)
2
: a protective, decorative, or disguising shell
the carapace of reserve he built around himselfM. M. Mintz

Examples of carapace in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inevitably, some entrepreneur is going to come out with a complicated token that makes all kinds of promises, but tries to mask all that by calling it a meme coin — as if that language will now put it within some sort of anti-regulatory carapace. Brady Dale, Axios, 3 Mar. 2025 Stick with the shell not just for a more affordable option but because the outer carapace contains lots of flavors and can be used to create a fish broth. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024 Stick with the shell not just for a more affordable option but because the outer carapace contains lots of flavors and can be used to create a fish broth. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024 The lobster carapaces infuse a briny, umami-rich flavor into the stock. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for carapace

Word History

Etymology

French, from Spanish carapacho

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of carapace was in 1836

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Cite this Entry

“Carapace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carapace. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

carapace

noun
car·​a·​pace ˈkar-ə-ˌpās How to pronounce carapace (audio)
: a bony or horny case or shield covering all or part of the back of an animal (as a turtle)

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