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

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

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

Without stars culling their ranks, barnacles and mussels crowded out seaweeds, limpets and sponges.

From New York Times

Related Words

• abalone
• clam
• snail