Standard Lemma guide

conchoidal

adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK: /kɒŋˈkɔɪ.dəl/
  • US: /kɑŋˈkɔɪ.dəl/
  • rhymes with -ɔɪdəl

1

adj

Meaning 1

Of or pertaining to a conchoid; that may be defined as a conchoid.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: mathematics, sciences

Examples

  • c. 1695, Isaac Newton, 1976, D. T. Whiteside (editor), The Mathematical Papers of Isaac Newton, Volume 7: 1691-1695, page 621, [...] a conchoidal hyperbola with an oval at its convexity.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Irregular, with planar, concentric curves, similar to those on a mussel shell.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: chemistry, geography, geology, mineralogy, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

Examples

  • 1821, Coal, entry in Andrew Ure, A Dictionary of Chemistry on the Basis of Mr Nicholson's, unnumbered page, It is distinguished by its splendent lustre and conchoidal fracture.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adj

Meaning 3

That fractures with planar concentric curves (e.g., as flint, chert or obsidian).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: chemistry, geography, geology, mineralogy, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

Examples

  • 1821, Focus of Philosophy, Science and Art, Volume 1, Issues 1-4, page 74, The customary transitions of pitchstone are, into Chalcedony, Chert, Semi-opal; also into a substance resembling conchoidal shining jasper, found in clay strata, entangled in trap, or volcanic rock; and lastly, into Trap.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From conchoid + -al.