[from a popular belief that the goose grew from the crustacean]: any of numerous marine crustaceans (subclass Cirripedia) with feathery appendages for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but permanently fixed (as to rocks, boat hulls, or whales) as adults
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The only character who seems entirely transparent is Frederik, who can’t hide his resentment of his second-class spousal status or his contempt for the sycophants and mediocrities who cling to his wife like barnacles.—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025 Of course, barnacles are crustaceans, not molluscs, but Haldane — sensitive to tradition — granted his creatures oyster-like qualities, too.—Thomas Moynihan, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025 Education Department This barnacle was started in 1979.—Walter E Block, Oc Register, 21 July 2025 Some creatures, like barnacles, can survive on a seawall.—Molly Duerig, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for barnacle
Word History
Etymology
Middle English barnakille, alteration of bernake, bernekke
: any of numerous small saltwater crustaceans with feathery outgrowths for gathering food that are free-swimming as larvae but as adults are permanently fastened (as to rocks or the bottoms of ships)
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