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Whelk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whelk

[welk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

seafood

A large marine snail with a spirally coiled shell, several whelks are edible and used as food.

Synonyms

sea snail, whelk shell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whelk

This term is typically used in the context of cooking or marine biology to refer to a type of sea snail with a distinctive shell.

  • I found a beautiful whelk on the beach.
  • Whelk is often served in seafood restaurants.
sea snail

This is a more general term used to describe various species of snails that live in the sea. It is often used in educational or scientific contexts.

  • Sea snails are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
  • The diet of certain fish includes sea snails.
whelk shell

This phrase refers specifically to the shell of a whelk. It is often used when talking about collecting shells or in the context of crafts and decorations.

  • She has a collection of whelk shells on her windowsill.
  • Whelk shells are popular among beachcombers.

Examples of usage

  • The fishermen caught some whelks for dinner.
  • She ordered a dish of whelks at the seafood restaurant.
Context #2 | Noun

British informal

A slow or foolish person.

Synonyms

fool, slowpoke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whelk

This word refers to a type of sea snail and is typically used in a marine biology context or when talking about seafood.

  • The fisherman caught a large whelk on the seashore.
  • Whelk is a popular dish in some coastal regions.
slowpoke

This word is used to describe someone who moves, acts, or responds slowly. It is often used in a casual or slightly humorous context, but it can have a mildly negative connotation.

  • Hurry up, slowpoke! We're going to be late.
  • My little brother is such a slowpoke when it comes to getting ready for school.
fool

This term is used to describe someone who is acting in a silly or stupid way. It has a negative connotation and is often used to criticize someone's actions or decisions.

  • Don't be a fool! Think before you act.
  • He felt like a fool after making such a silly mistake.

Examples of usage

  • He's a bit of a whelk, isn't he?
  • Don't be such a whelk, hurry up!

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Marine Biology

  • Whelks are gastropods, a class of animals that includes snails and slugs, known for having a single, spiraled shell.
  • Some species of whelk are adept predators, using their strong radula (a tongue-like organ) to hunt for prey like clams and other shellfish.
  • They play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey, moving up the food chain.

Culinary Practices

  • Whelks are considered a delicacy in many cultures, often served in seafood dishes in places like France and the UK.
  • In some regions, the flesh of whelks is used not just in gourmet cuisine but also in traditional comfort foods.
  • They can be prepared in various ways, such as boiled, steamed, or even in curries and casseroles.

Cultural Significance

  • In folklore, whelks and other shellfish have appeared in various cultural tales, often embodying concepts of resilience and adaptability.
  • Historically, whelks have been harvested for food, contributing to the livelihood of many coastal communities globally.
  • Their shells are often collected and used in art and decoration due to their unique shapes and patterns.

Origin of 'whelk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'whelk' comes from Old English 'whelca,' which refers to a type of marine creature.
  • Its roots can also be traced back to ancient Germanic languages, showing long-standing significance in coastal cultures.
  • Variants of this word exist in several languages, indicating its commonality across different cultures.

The word 'whelk' originated from Middle English 'whelke', from Old English 'wylca', which is of Germanic origin. Whelks have been used as food since ancient times, with evidence of their consumption dating back to the Roman era. The term 'whelk' has also been used figuratively to describe a slow or foolish person, likely due to the slow movement of the sea snail.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,157, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.