eggshell

American  

[eg-shel] / ˈɛgˌʃɛl /

noun

1. the shell of a bird's egg, consisting of keratin fibers and calcite crystals.

2. a pale yellowish-white color.

3. rather bulky paper having a slightly rough finish.

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adjective

1. like an eggshell, as in thinness and delicacy; very brittle; fragile.

2. being pale yellowish-white in color.

3. having little or no gloss.

   eggshell white paint.

eggshell British  

/ ˈɛɡˌʃɛl /

noun

1. the hard porous protective outer layer of a bird's egg, consisting of calcite and protein

2. a yellowish-white colour

3. a type of paper with a slightly rough finish

4. (modifier) (of paint) having a very slight sheen

   an eggshell finish

5. to be very cautious or diplomatic for fear of upsetting someone

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adjective

1. of a yellowish-white colour

   eggshell paint

Etymology

Origin of eggshell

First recorded in 1250–1300, eggshell is from the Middle English word ayschelle. See egg ¹, shell

Example Sentences

A report from 2007 said it was feasible for influenza viruses to enter through the eggshell.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2024

“The pip is when there’s a visible bump or crack in the eggshell that we can see,” said biologist Sandy Steers, showing “the chick is making some movement to try to get out.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 29, 2024

Now, McGill University researchers have new information from the eggshell membrane in chicken eggs that could help change this picture thanks to the potential it offers for improvements in tissue engineering and biomaterial grafts.

From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2024

"It wasn't like it is today where everybody's got to walk on an eggshell to tell you something," the 63-year-old told the Radio Times podcast.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2023

The aquamarines near the shoreline, the azures of deeper waters, the eggshell blues beneath by grandmother’s eyes, the fragile indigos tracking her hands.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García