skalet

Skalet is a noun used in Swedish and Norwegian to mean "the shell" or "the outer covering." It is the definite singular form of skal, a root term referring to an external protective layer found in natural and manufactured objects. The word is common in everyday speech and in scientific writing when discussing shells, casings, or exoskeleton-like coverings.

In biology, skalet denotes the outer protective covering of many organisms, such as the shells of mollusks or the exoskeletons of arthropods. In everyday language, it can describe any outer layer designed to protect the interior, from the casing of a fruit or nut to the protective shell of a device. The indefinite form is skal, while the definite form is skalet, following the standard patterns for neuter gender nouns in these languages.

The term does not imply a specific shape or material; its exact interpretation depends on context. It is primarily used in Scandinavian linguistic and scientific contexts and is less common in English-language texts, where translations like shell or casing are typically preferred.