conch

views updated Jun 11 2018

conch / kängk; känch/ • n. (pl. conchs / kängks/ or conches / ˈkänchiz/ ) 1. (also conch shell) a tropical marine mollusk (Strombus and other genera, family Strombidae) with a spiral shell that may bear long projections and have a flared lip. ∎  a shell of this kind blown like a trumpet to produce a musical note, often depicted as played by Tritons and other mythological figures. 2. Archit. the roof of a semicircular apse, shaped like half a dome.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

conch

views updated May 29 2018

conch.
1. Quarter-spherical cupola or dome over an apse or niche.

2. Pendentive.

3. Shell motif over a niche or similar.

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL

conch

views updated May 18 2018

conch shell(-fish). XVI. — L. concha bivalve, mussel, pearl oyster, etc. — Gr. kógkhē.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

conch

views updated May 21 2018

conch a shell of this kind blown like a trumpet is often depicted as played by Tritons and other mythological figures.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

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