whelk
1[ hwelk, welk ]
/ ʰwɛlk, wɛlk /
noun
any of several large, spiral-shelled, marine gastropods of the family Buccinidae, especially Buccinum undatum, that is used for food in Europe.
Nearby words
Origin of whelk
1before 900; late Middle English, aspirated variant of Middle English welk, Old English weoloc
Definition for whelk (2 of 2)
whelk
2[ hwelk, welk ]
/ ʰwɛlk, wɛlk /
noun
a pimple or pustule.
Origin of whelk
2Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for whelk
British Dictionary definitions for whelk (1 of 2)
whelk
1/ (wɛlk) /
noun
any carnivorous marine gastropod mollusc of the family Buccinidae, of coastal waters and intertidal regions, having a strong snail-like shell
Word Origin for whelk
Old English weoloc; related to Middle Dutch willok, Old Norse vil entrails
British Dictionary definitions for whelk (2 of 2)
whelk
2/ (wɛlk) /
noun
a raised lesion on the skin; wheal
Derived Formswhelky, adjective
Word Origin for whelk
Old English hwylca, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for whelk
whelk
large marine snail, Old English weoloc, wioloc, from Proto-Germanic *weluka- (cf. Middle Dutch willoc, Dutch wulk), perhaps from PIE root *wel- "to turn, revolve" (see volvox; cf. also volute). The spelling with wh- dates from 15c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for whelk
whelk
[ wĕlk ]
n.
An inflamed swelling, such as a pimple or pustule.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.