limpet

American  

[lim-pit] / ˈlɪm pɪt /

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.

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limpet British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of limpet

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

Example Sentences

The latest version, known as the Envlogger, sports a thick plastic housing instead of a limpet shell, can store data for a year or more, and has a battery life of 5 years.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 1, 2023

In tandem with the ecological experiments, our lab is sequencing owl limpet genomes to identify genes that potentially code for traits like faster growth or competitive prowess.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2021

Use the colorful Olympic Coast National Marine Life Sanctuary guide if you can’t tell a limpet from a clam.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2021

Navy blamed Iran for a series of limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers.

From Washington Times • Aug. 3, 2021

Bits of sea glass among the mermaids’ purses and limpet shells.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

Related Words

• abalone
• clam
• snail