scallop
UK[ˈskɒləp]US[ˈskæləp, ˈskɑːləp]
n
An edible shellfish with two flat, round shells that fit together and a row of small projections along its edge.
n
One of a series of curved projections that form a decorative edge.
v
To decorate an edge with a series of curved shapes.
v
To bake food, especially in a sauce, in a dish with scallop shells or a similar container.
Etymology
The word "scallop" entered English in the 14th century from the Old French "escalope," meaning a shell. This French term likely has Germanic origins, possibly related to words meaning "shell." The decorative sense of the word, referring to a wavy edge, developed in the 16th century from the resemblance to the fluted or ribbed edge of the scallop shell. The culinary verb form, meaning to bake in a sauce, arose in the early 20th century, inspired by the traditional method of serving such dishes in scallop shells.
Analysis
The modern English word "scallop" is a simplex form derived as a whole from Old French. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its current English spelling.
Examples
We collected several scallops from the sandy shore.
The tablecloth was finished with a beautiful scallop trim.
She decided to scallop the potatoes with cream and cheese.