limpet
Americannoun
noun
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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
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any of various similar freshwater gastropods, such as Ancylus fluviatilis ( river limpet )
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(modifier) relating to or denoting certain weapons that are attached to their targets by magnetic or adhesive properties and resist removal
limpet mines
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a small open caisson shaped to fit against a dock wall, used mainly in repair work
Etymology
Origin of limpet
before 1050; Middle English lempet, Old English lempedu, nasalized variant of *lepedu < Latin lepada, accusative of lepas < Greek lepás limpet
Explanation
A limpet is a mollusk with a low, conical shell. It's an aquatic snail that attaches itself to rocks in coastal areas. The single, powerful foot of a limpet works like a suction cup to keep it firmly attached to rocks. Limpets can crawl along the rocks to which they are attached. Over time, a limpet's hard shell grinds a "home scar" into the rock. The limpet ventures from its home scar to graze on algae, and then returns to the same spot. The word limpet is also used figuratively to describe someone that clings tenaciously to another person or to something, such as a cause.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 • Aug. 25, 2024
An increased heart rate can mean the limpet is experiencing heat stress, Lima, Seabra, and colleagues noted in a 2016 study.
From Science Magazine • Nov. 1, 2023
We are also experimentally pitting juvenile owl limpets against larger adults and other competing limpet species.
From Salon • Oct. 10, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
