— conchate /kong"kayt, kon"chayt/ , conched , adj.
/kongk, konch/ , n. , pl. conchs /kongks/ , conches /kon"chiz/ .
1. the spiral shell of a gastropod, often used as a horn.
2. any of various marine gastropods.
3. the fabled shell trumpet of the Tritons.
4. ( often cap. ) Slang ( sometimes disparaging ).
a. a native or inhabitant of the Florida Keys.
b. a Bahamian.
5. Also, concha . Archit. a smooth concave surface consisting of or resembling the interior of a semidome, as the surface of a vault, a trompe, or the head of a niche.
[ 1350-1400; ME concha kónche mussel, shell ]