Carapace is a noun that refers to a protective covering.

The Spanish word carapacho (cah ra POCH oh) provides the origin of our word of the day. Although generally used when referring to the bodies of animals, carapace may be used in a number of different ways. Here’s an example:

Some astronomers have speculated the universe had a carapace millennia ago. They suspect this protective covering is the reason our planet was shielded from many asteroid storms.