The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ESCALLOPED
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "shell-like" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shell-like = escalloped.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ESCALLOPED mean?
ESCALLOPED adjective- Cut or marked in the form of an escalop; scalloped.
- Covered with a scaly pattern resembling a series of escalop shells, each of which issues from between two others.