CONCH (

See also:

• LAT

Lat, concha, Gr. rdyxn)  , a shell, particularly one of a mollusc; hence the term " conchology," the science which deals with such shells, more used formerly when molluscs were studied and classified according to the shell formation; the word is chiefly now used for the collection of shells (see MOLLUSCA, and such articles as GASTROPODA, MALACOSTRACA, &c.) . Large spiral conchs have been from early times used as a form of trumpet, emitting a very loud sound . They are used in the West Indies and the South Sea Islands . The Tritons of ancient mythology are represented as blowing such " wreathed horns." In anatomy, the term concha or " conch " is used of the external ear, or of the hollowed central part leading to the meatus; and, in architecture, it is sometimes given to the half dome over the semicircular apse of the basilica . In late Roman work at Baalbek and Palmyra and in Renaissance buildings shells are frequently carved in the heads of circular niches . A low class of the negro or other inhabitants of the Bahamas and the Florida Keys are sometimes called " Conches " or " Conks " from the shell-fish which form their staple food .