The hard, protective outer covering that sea creatures like clams, snails, and oysters make to protect their soft bodies.
From Old English 'sæ' (sea) combined with 'shell,' which comes from Proto-Germanic roots meaning something split or hollow. Seashells have been collected and valued by humans for over 100,000 years for decoration and tools.
Seashells are basically skeletons made from calcium that the creature secretes layer by microscopic layer—it's like the animal is slowly building a custom-fitted suit of armor from the inside out.
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