shelling

• Bombardement, couche de protection, ou action d'ôter la coquille, l'écorce ou la cosse. Désigne à la fois un tir d'artillerie et l'opération de décorticage ou d'égrenage.

The act or process of bombarding with explosive projectiles; or the removal of outer coverings from nuts, seeds, or seafood. Can also refer to a specific variety of corn with hard kernels.

1. Military bombardment with explosive projectilesB2formal

   The continuous firing of artillery shells, mortar rounds, or naval guns at a target area, typically during armed conflict. Involves sustained explosive attacks intended to destroy fortifications, suppress enemy forces, or cause strategic damage.

   Bombardement d'artillerie

   • The city endured heavy artillery fire for three consecutive days.
   • Civilians sought shelter during the intense bombardment.
   • Naval vessels commenced their attack on the coastal defenses.
   • The trench lines were under constant mortar attack throughout the night.
   • Reconnaissance reported enemy positions preparing for another barrage.

   Synonymesbarragebombardmentcannonadepoundingshellfire

2. Removing outer coverings from nuts, peas, or seafoodB1informalculinary

   The culinary or agricultural process of extracting edible contents by breaking and discarding hard outer casings. Commonly applied to legumes, nuts, crustaceans, or mollusks before consumption or further processing.

   Décorticage / Écalage

   • Grandmother taught us the traditional method for preparing fresh peas.
   • The children helped with removing husks from the harvested walnuts.
   • She spent the afternoon preparing crab meat for the salad.
   • This machine automates the process of hulling sunflower seeds.
   • Fresh oysters require careful handling during preparation.

   Synonymeshusking

3. Type of corn with hard, flinty kernelsC1formalamerican

   A variety of maize characterized by a hard, protective outer layer surrounding a soft starchy center. Historically cultivated by indigenous peoples of the Americas and valued for its durability and storage properties.

   Maïs corné

   • Indigenous farmers cultivated this hardy grain for centuries.
   • The museum exhibit featured traditional varieties of native corn.
   • This heirloom crop is resistant to pests and drought conditions.
   • Historical records describe its importance in pre-colonial agriculture.
   • The seeds were stored in clay pots for winter provisions.

4. Natural process of outer layer detachmentC1formalscientific

   The phenomenon where surfaces, coatings, or biological structures naturally separate or flake away due to weathering, aging, or environmental stress. Observed in geology, biology, and materials science.

   Desquamation (exfoliation naturelle)

   • The paint began flaking after years of exposure to harsh weather.
   • Geologists studied the rock formation's natural layer separation.
   • Marine biologists observed the crustacean's molting cycle.
   • The old building's facade showed signs of surface deterioration.
   • Researchers analyzed the material's degradation under UV radiation.

   Synonymesexfoliationpeelingscalingshedding

• Verbe signifiant ôter l'enveloppe ou la coque extérieure de quelque chose, ou bombarder avec des obus ou des projectiles.

A verb used to indicate the act of removing the outer covering of something, or to bombard with shells.

1. Remove the outer coveringA2formal

   To remove the hard outer covering from something, such as nuts, eggs, or seafood.

   Décortiquer, écaler

   • She shelled the peanuts for the recipe.
   • He shelled the hard-boiled eggs carefully.
   • They spent the afternoon shelling crabs.

   Synonymeshullhuskpeelpodshuck

2. Bombard with shellsB2formal

   To attack or fire explosive shells at a target, typically in a military context.

   Bombarder d'obus

   • The artillery shelled the enemy positions all night.
   • The city was shelled during the siege.
   • They shelled the fortress from a distance.

   Synonymesbarragebombbombardcannonadepound

Variantes phrasalshell out