Conchate

/ˈkɒŋkeɪt/ adjective

Definition

Shaped like a shell or conch; having a concave, shell-like form.

Etymology

From Latin 'concha' meaning shell, with the suffix '-ate' meaning 'having the form of'. Used in biological and anatomical descriptions since the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Conchate is a favorite word of paleontologists describing fossils—many ancient creatures had conchate shells, and studying their curves told scientists about how these organisms lived and moved.

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