shell
/ʃel; ʃɛl/ n
1 [C, U] hard outer covering of eggs, of nut-kernels, of some seeds and fruits, and of animals such as oysters, snails, crabs and tortoises （卵、 坚果、 种子、 果实以及牡蛎、 蜗牛、 蟹、 龟等的）壳
collecting sea-shells on the beach 在海滩捡贝壳
empty coconut shells 空的椰子壳
broken pieces of shell 贝壳的碎片. =>illus 见插图.
2 [C]
(a) walls, outer structure, etc of an unfinished or burnt-out building, ship, etc （尚未完工的或被火烧毁房子或船等的）骨架、 框架等
Only the shell of the factory was left after the fire had been put out. 大火扑灭之後, 工厂只剩下个空架子了.
(b) any structure that forms a firm framework or covering （任何形式的）坚固框架或外罩
the metal shell of the aircraft engine 飞机发动机的金属外壳
the rigid body shell of a car 汽车坚固的车体外壳.
3 [C]
(a) metal case filled with explosive, to be fired from a large gun 炮弹
The building was destroyed by an artillery shell. 这座建筑物被炮弹炸毁了. Cf 参看 cartridge1, shot1 4.
(b) (US) = cartridge1.
4 [C] light rowing-boat for racing （轻型的）赛艇.
5 (idm 习语) come out of one's `shell become less shy, reserved, etc 不再羞怯、 沉默等
She used to be so quiet, but now she's really coming out of her shell and chatting to everyone. 她一向沉默寡言, 但现在可真活了, 跟谁都能谈得来. go, retire, withdraw, etc into one's `shell become more shy, reserved, etc 越发羞怯、 沉默等
Her rejection of him seems to have made him go back into his shell. 他遭她拒绝後就更不爱吭声了. shell, v
1 [Tn] (US also shuck) remove the shell of (sth) 除去（某物）的壳
shell peas, peanuts, almonds, etc 剥豌豆、 花生、 杏仁等
(saying 谚) It's as easy as shelling peas, ie very easy. 这事非常容易.
2 [Tn] fire shells (shell3) at (sb/sth) 炮击（某人[某物]）
shell the enemy positions 炮击敌人阵地.
3 (phr v) shell out (sth) (for sth) (infml 口) pay out, often reluctantly 付款（常指不情愿地）
I shall be expected to shell out (the money) for the party. 这次聚会可能要让我花钱.