concha

¹ American  

[kong-kuh] / ˈkɒŋ kə /

noun

plural

conchae

1. Anatomy.

   1. a shell-like structure, especially the external ear.

   2. any turbinate bone, especially in the nose.

2. Architecture. conch.

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concha ² American  

[kong-kuh] / ˈkɒŋ kə /

noun

plural

conchae

1. a disk, traditionally of hammered silver and resembling a shell or flower, used as decoration on belts, harness, etc.

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concha British  

/ ˈkɒŋkə /

noun

1. any bodily organ or part resembling a shell in shape, such as the external ear

2. Also called: conch.  architect the half dome of an apse

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Other Word Forms

• conchal adjective

Etymology

Origin of concha¹

1605–15; < New Latin, Latin: conch

Origin of concha²

From Spanish (southwestern U.S.), from Late Latin conchula, diminutive of Latin concha “shell”; see concha ¹, conch

Example Sentences

“If you’re gonna mess around with the vanilla or chocolate concha, think twice about it,” the user warned.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

In anticipation of the new “Barbie” film release this weekend, bakeries across the country have created a new type of Barbie to consume: a traditional Mexican concha.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2023

My favorite is the sugar paste, because it reminds me of the topping on a concha, a Mexican sweet bread roll.

From Washington Post • Dec. 30, 2022

Miss Matriarch's outfit was spot-on in that every item was piled on to convey her identity: the beaded earrings, the concha belt, the ribbon skirt, everything.

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2022

Her squash- blossom necklace, her bracelets, her concha belt, her earrings—I knew she had adorned herself with all of these things for me.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac