Cockle: meaning, definitions and examples

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cockle

 

[ หˆkษ’kษ™l ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

marine mollusk

A cockle is a common name used to describe several species of marine mollusks found in the family Cardiidae. These bivalve creatures have rounded, ribbed shells that are often found buried in sandy or muddy substrates. Cockles are typically used in cooking and are known for their distinctive flavor and texture. They are also popular as bait in recreational fishing. This term can refer to various kinds of cockles, which can vary in size and habitat.

Synonyms

bivalve, clam, mollusk

Examples of usage

  • I ordered a plate of cockles at the seafood restaurant.
  • The fisherman dug up fresh cockles from the shoreline.
  • Cockles are often served steamed with garlic and parsley.
  • In some cultures, cockles are considered a delicacy.
Context #2 | Verb

to move or behave

To cockle means to curl or to form into folds or wrinkles. This word is often used to describe the action of forming into lobes or pucker, particularly something soft and pliable, like fabric. The term can also imply a gentle or playful movement, where something bends or shifts form in a non-rigid manner. It's a less common verb but can be used creatively in various contexts.

Synonyms

curl, pucker, wrinkle

Examples of usage

  • The edges of the fabric cockled beautifully in the wind.
  • I love how the petals cockle together in this bouquet.
  • He cockled the paper before gluing it to the board.

Translations

Translations of the word "cockle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น berbigรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‰เค•เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Muschel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kerang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะบะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ maล‚ลผ

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ณใ‚ฏใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท coque

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ coquilla

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท midye

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กฐ๊ฐœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุญุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ muลกle

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ muลกฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่›ค่œŠ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลกkoljka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะพะบะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒ™แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qaynar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ coquille

Word origin

The word 'cockle' has its roots in the Old French term 'coquillette,' which itself derives from the Latin 'cochlea' meaning 'snail' or 'shell.' Historically, the term was primarily used to refer to shellfish with characteristic rounded, ribbed shells, which have been a part of human diets for centuries. The culinary appreciation for mussels, clams, and cockles is reflected in various cultures around the world, emphasizing their importance as a food source. The use of the word has evolved, with 'cockle' also adopted as a verb in the English language to describe the act of curling or wrinkling, likely inspired by the natural shape of the shellfish. This dual usage highlights the flexibility of the English language and how the meanings of words can adapt over time.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,134 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.