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 concha¹

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

Example Sentences

To Barnica, an immigrant from Honduras, the American dream seemed within reach in her corner of Houston, a neighborhood filled with restaurants selling El Salvadoran pupusas and bakeries specializing in Mexican conchas.

From Salon

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

Colorful, sugary conchas line the shelves in neat rows.

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

Orange blossom water appears in a riff on snickerdoodles and Mexican conchas.

From Washington Post