whelk

1
[ hwelk, welk ]
/ ʰwɛlk, wɛlk /

noun

any of several large, spiral-shelled, marine gastropods of the family Buccinidae, especially Buccinum undatum, that is used for food in Europe.

Origin of whelk

1
before 900; late Middle English, aspirated variant of Middle English welk, Old English weoloc

Words nearby whelk

Definition for whelk (2 of 2)

whelk 2
[ hwelk, welk ]
/ ʰwɛlk, wɛlk /

noun

a pimple or pustule.

Origin of whelk

2
before 1000; Middle English whelke, Old English hwylca, hwelca; akin to wheal

Example sentences from the Web for whelk

British Dictionary definitions for whelk (1 of 2)

whelk 1
/ (wɛlk) /

noun

any carnivorous marine gastropod mollusc of the family Buccinidae, of coastal waters and intertidal regions, having a strong snail-like shell

Word Origin for whelk

Old English weoloc; related to Middle Dutch willok, Old Norse vil entrails

British Dictionary definitions for whelk (2 of 2)

whelk 2
/ (wɛlk) /

noun

a raised lesion on the skin; wheal

Derived forms of whelk

whelky, adjective

Word Origin for whelk

Old English hwylca, of obscure origin

Medical definitions for whelk

whelk
[ wĕlk ]

n.

An inflamed swelling, such as a pimple or pustule.