Shell
nounverified·updated May 9, 2026
A Unix term for the interactive user interface with an operating system. The shell is the layer of programming that understands and executes the commands a user enters. In some systems, the shell is called a command interpreter. A shell usually implies an interface with a command syntax (think of the DOS operating system and its "C:" prompts and user commands such as "dir" and "edit").
Framework senses
- §1
- A Unix term for the interactive user interface with an operating system. The shell is the layer of programming that understands and executes the commands a user enters. In some systems, the shell is called a command interpreter. A shell usually implies an interface with a command syntax (think of the DOS operating system and its "C:" prompts and user commands such as "dir" and "edit").
- §1
- hard outer covering or case of certain organisms such as arthropods and turtles
- §2
- the hard largely calcareous covering of a mollusc or a brachiopod
- §3
- a metal sheathing of uniform thickness (such as the shield attached to an artillery piece to protect the gunners)
- §4
- ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile
- §5
- the housing or outer covering of something
- §6
- a very light narrow racing boat
- §7
- a rigid covering that envelops an object
- §8
- the exterior covering of a bird's egg
- §9
- the hard usually fibrous outer layer of some fruits especially nuts
- §10
- the material that forms the hard outer covering of many animals