scallop
UK: ˈskɒləp | US: ˈskɑːləp
n. a marine bivalve mollusk with a ribbed, fan-shaped shell
n. one of the curved segments or projections forming the edge of such a shell
vt. to bake or serve food (e.g., potatoes) with a scallop-like edge or sauce
The word "scallop" traces back to Old French escalope ("shell"), derived from a Germanic root (possibly related to scale). The "-op" ending evolved as a noun suffix in Middle English. The mollusk's name reflects its distinctive shell shape, while the culinary term (verb) arose from the practice of cutting food into scallop-like curves.
We collected colorful scallops along the shore.
The chef scalloped the potatoes before baking them.
Her dress was trimmed with lace in a scallop pattern.
Scallops are prized for their sweet, tender meat.
The fossilized scallop revealed intricate ribbing.