limpet

[ lim-pit ]

noun

1. any of various marine gastropods with a low conical shell open beneath, often browsing on rocks at the shoreline and adhering when disturbed.

limpet

/ ˈlɪmpɪt /

noun

1. any of numerous marine gastropods, such as Patella vulgata ( common limpet ) and Fissurella (or Diodora ) apertura ( keyhole limpet ), that have a conical shell and are found clinging to rocks
2. any of various similar freshwater gastropods, such as Ancylus fluviatilis ( river limpet )
3. modifier relating to or denoting certain weapons that are attached to their targets by magnetic or adhesive properties and resist removal

   limpet mines

4. a small open caisson shaped to fit against a dock wall, used mainly in repair work

Word History and Origins

Origin of limpet¹

before 1050; Middle English lempet, Old English lempedu, nasalized variant of *lepedu < Latin lepada, accusative of lepas < Greek lepás limpet

Word History and Origins

Origin of limpet¹

Old English lempedu, from Latin lepas, from Greek

Example Sentences

Norris clung to Verstappen like a limpet and then overtook him with imperious ease before the first pit stops, cruising off into the middle distance thereafter.

From BBC

Lima opted to use a limpet shell instead, creating what he called “robolimpets.”

From Science Magazine

Finally, place limpet mines on time-delayed charges on Japanese ships before slipping away.

From BBC

His meal is seaweed and limpets — “Definitely al dente,” he jokes — and his bed is a wet field.

From Seattle Times

We ordered boiled shrimp and our first grilled limpets with garlic and oil, a local specialty.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• abalone
• clam
• snail