trochus

noun

tro·​chus

ˈtrōkəs

1

a

capitalized : a genus of chiefly Old World tropical marine gastropods (family Trochidae) with beautifully nacreous bluntly conical shells including a large Indo-Pacific species (T. niloticus) extensively used in making buttons and ornamental objects

b

plural -es : top shell

2

plural trochi

-ōˌkī

or trochuses : the inner preoral band of cilia of a trochal disc

broadly : trochal disc

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, wheel, iron hoop, from Greek trochos wheel

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for trochus

• telemachus