Definition of carapace
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 himself — M. M. Mintz
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Recent Examples of carapace from the Web
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Black, sleek, and oblong, the rig resembles the carapace of a xenomorph alien.
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Origin and Etymology of carapace
French, from Spanish carapacho
First Known Use: 1836
Other Zoology Terms
CARAPACE Defined for English Language Learners
carapace
playDefinition of carapace for English Language Learners
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: a hard shell on the back of some animals (such as turtles or crabs)
Learn More about carapace
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See words that rhyme with carapace Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carapace
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