carapace

noun

car·​a·​pace ˈker-ə-ˌpās 

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 himself …

—M. M. Mintz

Examples of carapace in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In summer as well as in winter, beneath a beach umbrella just as much as under the cold carapace of a Toronto sky in December, rap’s pretty boy little brother is sort of always talking about the many grievances he’s picked up along the way. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

The carapace must be longer than 3 inches, and the lobsters must be measured while in the water. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026

The carapace, the lobster part that is not the tail, must be greater than three inches long. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Johnson’s carapace is detailed with skin-like textures, swollen bicep veins and living tattoos that offer him encouragement and advice. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Spanish carapacho

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for carapace

• enterococci
• staphylococci
• gonococci
• streptococci

Kids Definition

carapace

noun

car·​a·​pace ˈkar-ə-ˌpās 

: a bony or horny case or shield covering all or part of the back of an animal (as a turtle)