from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Conch \Conch\ (k[o^][ng]k), n. [L. concha, Gr. ko`gchh. See
{Coach}, n.]
1. (Zool.) A name applied to various marine univalve shells;
esp. to those of the genus {Strombus}, which are of large
size. {Strombus gigas} is the large pink West Indian
conch. The large king, queen, and cameo conchs are of the
genus {Cassis}. See {Cameo} and {cameo conch}.
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Note: The conch is sometimes used as a horn or trumpet, as in
fogs at sea, or to call laborers from work.
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2. In works of art, the shell used by Tritons as a trumpet.
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3. [often capitalized] One of the white natives of the Bahama
Islands or one of their descendants in the Florida Keys;
-- so called from the commonness of the conch there, or
because they use it for food.
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4. (Arch.) See {Concha}, n.
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5. The external ear. See {Concha}, n., 2.
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