Cockleshell: meaning, definitions and examples
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cockleshell
[ ˈkɒkəlʃɛl ]
shell type
A cockleshell is the shell of a cockle, which is a type of bivalve mollusk. These shells are often characterized by their ribbed surface and are typically found on beaches. The term can also be used metaphorically to represent something delicate or fragile.
Synonyms
bivalve, mollusk shell, shell.
Examples of usage
- She collected beautiful cockleshells during her beach vacation.
- The artist incorporated cockleshell shapes into her sculpture.
- He admired the intricate design of the cockleshell on the sandy shore.
Translations
Translations of the word "cockleshell" in other languages:
🇵🇹 concha de cockle
🇮🇳 कॉकल शेल
🇩🇪 Muschelschale
🇮🇩 cangkang kerang
🇺🇦 раковина молюска
🇵🇱 muszla małży
🇯🇵 ホタテ貝の殻
🇫🇷 coquille de coques
🇪🇸 concha de almeja
🇹🇷 midye kabuğu
🇰🇷 조개 껍데기
🇸🇦 صدف الكوكل
🇨🇿 ulita škeble
🇸🇰 ulita mušle
🇨🇳 蛤蜊壳
🇸🇮 lupina školjke
🇮🇸 skeljar
🇰🇿 моллюск қабығы
🇬🇪 პარკით
🇦🇿 qayalıq qabığı
🇲🇽 concha de almeja
Etymology
The word 'cockleshell' originates from the Middle English term 'cokkeshel', which has roots in the Old English 'cocca' meaning 'cockle', referring to the bivalve mollusk, and 'shell'. The usage of the term has evolved over time, initially describing the physical shell of the cockle mollusk, but also developing metaphorical meanings related to fragility or delicacy due to the light and often fragile nature of the shells. The term has been used in various literary contexts, most famously in the phrase 'cockleshells' referring to small boats, which portrayed their tender and dainty characteristics. The phrase 'cockles of the heart' also arises from the notion of the heart being delicate and fragile, tying back to the historical symbolic usage of the cockleshell.