The Chinese word **外壳 (wàiké)** is a compound noun formed by combining the character **外 (wài)**, meaning "outer" or "external," with **壳 (ké)**, meaning "shell," "husk," or "hard covering." This structure follows a common modifier-head pattern in Chinese word formation, where the first element **外** describes the location or type of the second element **壳**. Together, they create a new, specific meaning referring to an **outer shell, casing, or exterior housing**, such as that of a nut, an egg, an electronic device, or a software interface, effectively conceptualizing any protective outer layer.