concha
[ˈkɔŋ.kʰa]
The Latin word for "shell" is concha.
concha refers to the hard calcareous or chitinous external covering of many invertebrates.
Meaning: hard calcareous or chitinous external covering of many invertebrates (noun)
Did you know?
- In Ancient Rome, the concha was not just a shell but a luxury term for a curved, shell-shaped couch or bed used by the wealthy.
- Beyond sea shells, the Latin concha was used in anatomy to describe the curved bones in the nasal cavity, known in English as the turbinates or conchae.
- In Latin poetry, the concha is often used as a symbol for Venus, the goddess of love, who was born from the sea and emerged from a shell.
Examples in context
- concha marinaSeashell
- In colle prope mare, conchas magnas congregavi.On the hill near the sea, I gathered large shells.
- Puer conchulam in manu tenebat.The boy held a small shell in his hand.
- Concha est in arena.The shell is in the sand.
- Concha est valde alba.The shell is very white.
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are walking along a beach.
- LuciaVide, Luci, quam albam concham habeo!Look, Lucius, what a white shell I have!
- LuciusIta, concha tua valde lucet.Yes, your shell shines very much.
- LuciaVisne hanc concham tenere?Do you want to hold this shell?
- LuciusLibenter, gratias tibi ago, Lucia.Gladly, I thank you, Lucia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry concha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
