What does WHELK mean?

Whelk 1. Parts of Speech

Noun, Verb

2. Definitions

1. a large sea snail with a spiral shell, commonly eaten in some parts of the world;
2. to turn over (a vessel or boat) by the action of a heavy sea or wave.

3. Pronunciations

US: /hwɛlk/, UK: /wɛlk/

4. Origin and Usage

The word "whelk" comes from the Middle English word "welke", meaning "spiral shell". Whelks are commonly eaten in some parts of the world, such as in Asia, Europe, and North America. As a verb, "whelk" is used to describe the action of overturning a vessel or boat by the action of a heavy sea or wave.

5. Synonyms

For the noun definition: sea snail, conch, periwinkle, etc. For the verb definition: capsize, overturn, upend, etc.

6. Related Words

Welch, welsh, wheel, whelp, whole, whorl, etc.

7. Example Sentences

• He picked up a whelk from the beach and examined its shell.
• The boat was whelked by a massive wave and capsized.