Main Entry: ¹whelk

Pronunciation: \ˈhwelk, ˈwelk, ˈwilk\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English welke, from Old English weoloc; akin to Middle Dutch willoc whelk and perhaps to Latin volvere to turn — more at voluble

Date: before 12th century

: any of numerous large marine snails (as of the genus Buccinum); especially : one (B. undatum) used as food in Europe

[whelk illustration]