carapace
/ˈkɛrəˌpeɪs/
noun
- The hard, protective upper shell of a turtle, crab, or other animal.
- The turtle retreated into its carapace when it sensed danger.
- The fossil showed a beautifully preserved carapace of an ancient sea creature.
- A crab's carapace must be shed as it grows larger.
- A hard outer covering or shield that protects something.
- The armored vehicle had a thick steel carapace to protect the soldiers inside.
- The snail's carapace is both a home and a defense against predators.
- Some insects develop a waxy carapace to keep from drying out.
- A figurative protective barrier, especially one that hides emotions or vulnerability.
- After years of disappointment, she built a carapace around her heart.
- The politician's confident smile was just a carapace for his insecurity.
- He hid his shyness behind a carapace of sarcasm and jokes.