Carapace

usgb/ˈkærəpeɪs/
noun

The hard shield or shell covering the back of animals such as turtles, armadillos, or crabs.

The tortoise pulled its head and legs into its carapace as a defence mechanism.
Visual representation of "carapace" - The hard shield or shell covering the back of animals such as turtles, armadillos, or crabs.

Often appears as...

  • carapace of a turtle
  • hard carapace
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "carapace"
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Biological Context

Primarily used to describe the protective part of an animal's body; often related to biology.

Illustration for Biological Context
In biology class, we learned that a lobster's carapace is its main defense against predators.
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Not Always Hard

While typically hard, carapaces can vary in flexibility depending on the animal species.

Illustration for Not Always Hard
Unlike the rigid carapace of a tortoise, the carapace of a leatherback turtle is somewhat flexible.
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Visibly Distinct

A carapace is usually a distinct and visible part of an animal's body covering the upper section.

Illustration for Visibly Distinct
When you see a crab, the carapace is the upper, dome-shaped part of its body.
Visual representation of the word "Carapace"

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