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

Scientists came to this conclusion after reviewing ancient penguin bones and limpet shells at these sites.

From Science News For Students

Antarctica’s Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers are losing ice more quickly than they have at any time in the last few thousand years, ancient penguin bones and limpet shells suggest.

From Science News

The sea star realized that it couldn’t outrun the top-shells, so it turned its attention to a nearby stationary urchin, which had covered itself with an empty limpet shell.

From Popular-Science

Four of those attacks used the same kind of magnetic limpet bomb, affixed to the vehicles of the targets.

From The Daily Beast

Shell, rather limpet-like, with a hooked apex (whence its generic name), adheres to stones or piles in running water.

From Project Gutenberg

When the tide is out, the Limpet clings to the rock, its soft body tucked safely away in the shell.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the Limpet's shell may be seen to tilt up, and a foot, and a head with feelers and eyes, come out.

From Project Gutenberg

In time this resting-place becomes hollowed out, and the Limpet's shell fits into the groove thus made.

From Project Gutenberg

You will know, if you have tried to force a Limpet from its hold on the rock, how very tightly it clings.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abalone
• clam
• snail