shell-like

== English == === Alternative forms === shelllike === Etymology === From shell +‎ -like. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === shell-like (comparative more shell-like, superlative most shell-like) Having a similar shape to a seashell. (literary, dated) Of the external ear, resembling the graceful convolutions of a seashell. ==== Usage notes ==== shell-like is several times more common than shelllike in print. GPO manual recommends using a hyphen to avoid a triple consonant. === Noun === shell-like (plural shell-likes) (slang, UK, Australia, especially in set phrases) The ear. === References ===