outer shell

[ˈaʊtər ʃɛl]
nounpl: outer shells
camada externa
1. the outermost layer or covering of something
The outer shell of the building was made of reinforced concrete.
A camada externa do edifício era feita de concreto reforçado.
2. in physics, the outermost electron orbit around an atomic nucleus
Valence electrons occupy the outer shell of an atom.
Os elétrons de valência ocupam a camada externa de um átomo.
3. superficial appearance or exterior demeanor
Despite her tough outer shell, she is very compassionate inside.
Apesar de sua aparência dura, ela é muito compassiva por dentro.
4. protective covering or casing
The turtle retreated into its outer shell for protection.
A tartaruga se retraiu em sua casca externa para se proteger.
In both American English and Brazilian Portuguese, 'outer shell' is frequently used metaphorically to describe a person's emotional barriers or superficial appearance. The term is particularly common in scientific and educational contexts when discussing atomic structure or natural sciences.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
exteriorsurface layercrustcoatingcoveringfacade
Antonyms / Antônimos
inner coreinteriorinsidenucleus

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
camada externa
most common usage across Brazil
General Brazilian
casca externa
used when referring to physical shells or protective coverings
Portugal
camada externa
equivalent to Brazilian Portuguese, standard usage
Portugal
concha externa
sometimes used when referring to actual shells of animals

Related Words

shellcasingexteriorsurfacecoatingelectron shell

Related Idioms & Phrases

crack someone's outer shell
beneath the outer shell
break through the outer shell
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