deraya

How to say it

Meaning

A protective covering of metal worn by warriors in the past, such as a coat of mail. In biology writing it also means the hard shell or plates that protect an animal’s body.

Good to know

N class noun, plural also deraya: deraya ya chuma, iron armor; deraya ya khitini, a chitin shell. dirii and durui in the dictionary are older words for it.

Examples

• Shujaa huyo alivaa deraya ya chuma na kofia ngumu.The warrior wore iron armor and a hard helmet.
• Mdudu huyu ana deraya ngumu inayolinda mwili wake.This insect has hard armor that protects its body.
• Mishale haikuweza kupenya deraya yake.The arrows could not pierce his armor.

Forms

dirii, durui