whelk

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈ(h)welk  ˈ(h)wilk 

: any of numerous large marine snails (as of the genus Buccinum)

especially : one (B. undatum) used as food in Europe

Illustration of whelk

whelk

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈ(h)welk 

: papule, pustule

Synonyms

Noun (2)

• boil
• fester
• hickey
• papule
• pimple
• pock
• pustule
• zit [slang]

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Yet the whelk's shell (right) is even more amazing. —Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2013

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

Middle English whelke, from Old English hwylca, from hwelian to suppurate

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

whelk

noun

ˈhwelk,

ˈwelk,

ˈwilk

: any of numerous large marine snails

especially : one used for food in Europe