View synonyms for

limpet

[ lim-pit ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of various marine gastropods with a low conical shell open beneath, often browsing on rocks at the shoreline and adhering when disturbed.

limpet

/ ˈ��ɪ��ɪ�� /

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

Discover More

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 ��á�� limpet

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of limpet¹

Old English lempedu, from Latin lepas, from Greek

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

Lima opted to use a limpet shell instead, creating what he called “robolimpets.”

From

Finally, place limpet mines on time-delayed charges on Japanese ships before slipping away.

From

His meal is seaweed and limpets — “Definitely al dente,” he jokes — and his bed is a wet field.

From

We ordered boiled shrimp and our first grilled limpets with garlic and oil, a local specialty.

From

Related Words

limp limpid

Browse