softshell
noun
soft·shell
| \ ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel
\
\
Definition of softshell
(Entry 1 of 2)
: any of a family (Trionychidae) of freshwater carnivorous turtles that have sharp claws and mandibles and a flat round shell covered with soft leathery skin instead of with horny plates
— called also soft-shelled turtle
soft-shell
adjective
\ ˈsȯf(t)-ˌshel
\
\
variants:
or soft-shelled \ ˈsȯf(t)-ˈsheld
\
\
Definition of soft-shell (Entry 2 of 2)
: having a soft or fragile shell especially as a result of recent shedding
soft-shell crabs
Examples of softshell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
This light softshell has a fleece insulation lining and a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. — Adrienne So, WIRED, "26 Great Outdoor Deals From REI's Huge Labor Day Sale," 24 Aug. 2019 Bones, meanwhile, is known for its noodles — ramen, soba, udon — and steamed buns stuffed with things like pork belly, duck confit and softshell crab. — Josie Sexton, The Denver Post, "Nashville hot chicken alert: Lou’s Food Bar from Frank Bonanno is returning from the dead," 27 June 2019 What if there were no more turtles?) Populations of softshell turtles are particularly vulnerable in Asia, where they are often eaten as a delicacy. — Stefan Lovgren, National Geographic, "In Cambodia, giant turtles come back from the brink," 23 Apr. 2019 As for cost, most softshells come in around $1,000 to $2,000 while hardshells can run $2,000 to $5,000. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "The 7 Best Rooftop Tents for Far-Out (and Closer-to-Home) Adventures," 26 Apr. 2019 Most of the dead animals are Florida softshell turtles; however, a few river cooters, olive or brown turtles with yellow stripes on their heads and necks, have also been found dead. — Annie Martin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "FWC investigating deaths of 100 turtles along St. Johns River," 30 May 2018 Shellfish offerings may include spiny lobsters, live softshell crab and Santa Barbara spot prawns. — Greg Morago, Houston Chronicle, "Nobu Houston now accepting reservations," 22 May 2018 There are native red belly and peninsula cooter turtles, exotic red-eared sliders and enormous softshell turtles. — Kevin Spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Lake Eola turtles need sunbathing perches, says club's petition," 10 May 2018 Probably the most unique turtle in our area is the softshell turtle. — Cheryl Conley, Houston Chronicle, "TWRC Wildlife Center: Is it a turtle or a tortoise?," 30 Jan. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'softshell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for softshell
soft-shell
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of soft-shell
US
: having a shell that is soft or easily broken
See the full definition for soft-shell in the English Language Learners Dictionary