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

And drug literature can be a hard sell for some, especially if the reader feels anxious about their own coolness, and develops a sort of you-won’t-impress-me-so-there carapace in advance as a form of self-protection. — Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

Gabrielle’s unflinching competence and dynamism belie acute sensitivity, and the actress allows hints of child-like hurt and hesitation to pierce the carapace. — Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

Specifically, carapaces spelling out 8647, which is either shell-speak for evil intent or a bartender telling Patel to 86 his personal booze and buy a drink already. — Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026

The carapace of a spiny lobster (the part that is not the tail) must be greater than three inches long to be legal size. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 May 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)