carapace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carapace" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the hard upper shell of certain animals, particularly crustaceans and turtles, and can be used in biological or ecological contexts. Example: "The turtle's carapace provides protection from predators and environmental hazards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rather than an opaque carapace, it offers continually changing glimpses through and across its surfaces that, as well as creating simple visual fascination, communicate a sense of its inner life.

The Guardian - Arts

She's so raw and vulnerable; she's never formed the protective carapace that I formed very early on.

The Guardian

To invest in some sort of toughened steel for the psyche, to fashion a carapace that will withstand the bragging that has always tended – in English eyes at least – to be associated with Australian sporting success.

The Guardian - Sport

By the time of his death, those constraints had turned through 180 degrees.Don't mention BurkeEntering politics in the 1950s, St John-Stevas had little choice but to conceal part of who he was—a gay man albeit beneath a carapace of campness, a form of hiding in plain sight.

The Economist

The tide may indeed be turning against the supreme leader, his dreadful president and even the cracking carapace of clerical tyranny.

The Economist

Mr Clinton's NMD plan would not do that either, since it would defend against just a few warheads, not the hundreds Russia could muster in minutes.First a small shield, then a carapace?But what happened to good old deterrence, ask sceptical Europeans the trigger-blocking threat to respond to any attack on America or its close allies with massive retaliation?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's easy to see why Claire Wilcox, the V&A's senior curator, calls the British designer the "master of polarity .In one room a carapace-like dress, crafted from duck feathers dyed inky black (from "The Horn of Plenty", Autumn/Winter 2009; see image 1), completely obscures the familiar, human dips and curves of the wearer.

The Economist

The story shifts to the US and centres on the surviving brother, who has married his brother's wife, each living fractured lives within impermeable carapaces.

The Guardian - Books

The coach he commissioned for his investiture gives a sense of his wealth and ambition: it cost £1,000, more than the vehicle used at the time for royal coronations, and was smothered with elaborately carved curlicues, garlands, scallop shells and cherubs, all carapaced in gilding.

The Economist

Notched turtle carapaces are scraped in the Caribbean.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their mud colouring and relatively small size (carapaces up to 28 cm [11 inches]) make them inconspicuous and more likely to be overlooked in cultures that view all turtles as harvestable for food or medicine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing animals, use "carapace" to specifically refer to the dorsal (upper) section of the shell, particularly in crustaceans and turtles. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "carapace" loosely in figurative contexts where a simpler word like "shield" or "shell" would suffice. Overusing technical terms can make your writing sound pretentious or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The word "carapace" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a hard protective covering. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. Examples showcase its use in both literal and figurative senses, consistently denoting a protective or defensive outer layer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

36%

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "carapace" is a grammatically sound noun frequently employed to denote a protective outer covering, particularly in the context of animal anatomy. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, the term serves to precisely describe anatomical features or evoke the concept of protection in figurative contexts. When used figuratively, it suggests shielding or resilience. While primarily formal, figurative applications allow for more flexible usage. When employing "carapace", ensure accuracy and contextual relevance, favoring precision in scientific or anatomical discourse and careful consideration in figurative applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shell

A more general term for a hard, protective outer layer.

shield

Emphasizes the protective function of the covering.

exoskeleton

Specifically refers to the external skeleton of arthropods.

outer shell

More descriptive, specifying that it's the outermost layer.

protective covering

Highlights the function of providing protection.

armor

Implies a strong and robust defense.

integument

A technical term for the outer covering of an organism.

protective layer

Similar to 'protective covering' but more concise.

hard shell

Emphasizes the hardness of the outer covering.

cuticle

Refers to a tough but flexible outer layer in organisms.

FAQs

How is the term "carapace" typically used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "carapace" refers specifically to the dorsal section of the exoskeleton or shell in animals like crustaceans and turtles. It's used to provide precise anatomical descriptions.

What's the difference between "carapace" and "shell"?

"Carapace" is a more specific term than "shell". While "shell" can refer to any hard outer covering, "carapace" typically denotes the dorsal shield of crustaceans and turtles.

What can I say instead of "carapace" in a figurative context?

In figurative contexts, you can use alternatives like "shield", "armor", or "protective layer" to convey the idea of a defensive barrier.

Is it appropriate to use "carapace" to describe non-animal objects?

While "carapace" primarily describes animal anatomy, it can be used metaphorically for non-animal objects to suggest a protective outer layer. However, ensure the context is clear and the usage is intentional for stylistic effect.