limpet
limpet Lexical Profile
limpet Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A marine mollusk with a shallow conical shell and a broad muscular foot, known for clinging tightly to rocks in coastal and tidal areas.
"During our walk along the coast, we saw dozens of limpets firmly attached to the slippery rocks at low tide."
A person who clings tightly to a position, situation, or another person, especially out of dependency, stubbornness, or self-interest.
"Despite multiple requests to resign, the controversial director clung to his position like a limpet."
An explosive device equipped with magnets, designed to be attached to the steel hull of a target ship.
"The covert operatives swam silently into the harbor and attached a limpet to the enemy submarine under the cover of darkness."
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'lempedu', deriving from Late Latin 'lampreda' (lamprey). The term was historically applied to this rock-clinging mollusk due to its similar habit of firmly attaching itself to hard surfaces.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.