limpet
[ lim-pit ]
/ ˈlɪm pɪt /
noun
any of various marine gastropods with a low conical shell open beneath, often browsing on rocks at the shoreline and adhering when disturbed.
Origin of limpet
before 1050; Middle English
lempet, Old English
lempedu, nasalized variant of
*lepedu < Latin
lepada, accusative of
lepas < Greek
lepás limpet
Words nearby limpet
limousine,
limousine liberal,
limp,
limp wrist,
limp-wristed,
limpet,
limpid,
limpkin,
limpopo,
limpsy,
limulus
Example sentences from the Web for limpet
British Dictionary definitions for limpet
limpet
/ (ˈlɪmpɪt) /
noun
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
any of various similar freshwater gastropods, such as Ancylus fluviatilis (river limpet)
(modifier)
relating to or denoting certain weapons that are attached to their targets by magnetic or adhesive properties and resist removal
limpet mines
a small open caisson shaped to fit against a dock wall, used mainly in repair work
Word Origin for limpet
Old English
lempedu, from Latin
lepas, from Greek