Main Entry: lim·pet

Pronunciation: \ˈlim-pət\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English lempet, from Old English lempedu, from Medieval Latin lampreda lamprey

Date: before 12th century

1 : a marine gastropod mollusk (especially families Acmaeidae and Patellidae) that has a low conical shell broadly open beneath, browses over rocks or timbers in the littoral area, and clings very tightly when disturbed
2 : one that clings tenaciously to someone or something
3 : an explosive device designed to cling magnetically to a metallic surface (as the hull of a ship)

[limpet illustration]