Whelk

Origin

Old English weoloc, wioloc, from Proto-Germanic *weluka- (compare Middle Dutch willoc, Dutch wulk), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *wel- ("to turn, revolve") (whence vulva and volute) Spelling wh- from 15th century.

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of whelk

Noun

1. Certain edible sea snails, especially, any one of numerous species of large marine gastropods belonging to , much used as food in Europe.
2. A stripe or mark; a ridge; a wale.

Derived terms

• chin whelk
• dog whelk