Barnacle: meaning, definitions and examples

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barnacle

 

[ หˆbษ‘rnษ™kl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

marine life

A barnacle is a type of crustacean that typically attaches itself permanently to a hard surface such as rocks, ships, or even whales. They have hard outer shells, often resembling small volcanoes, and they feed by filtering plankton from the water using their feathery appendages. Barnacles are known for their ability to withstand harsh aquatic environments, and can remain attached even in strong currents. Their hard shells can make them difficult to remove and they are often considered pests in marine vessels.

Synonyms

crustacean, filter feeder, marine invertebrate.

Examples of usage

  • We found several barnacles on the bottom of the boat.
  • The whale was covered in barnacles.
  • Barnacles can affect the speed of ships.
  • They tend to thrive in rocky intertidal areas.

Translations

Translations of the word "barnacle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น percevejo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ barnacle (เคฌเคฐเฅเคจเคพเค•เคฒ)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Entenmuschel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kijing

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะฐะปัะฝะดั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bฤ…bel

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใƒผใƒŠใ‚ฏใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท balanocorne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ percebe

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท barnakฤฑl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ ์ฐฉ๋ฅ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎูŽุตูŽููŽุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™รญsavka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prรญsavka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่—คๅฃถ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pripraska

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑั‹ะปั‚ั‹ั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒœแƒแƒ™แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ barnakl

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ percebe

Etymology

The word 'barnacle' originates from the Latin word 'barnicula', a diminutive form of 'barna', which referred to shellfish. The term has evolved through Middle English as 'bernycle'. Historically, barnacles were thought to be connected with the origin of barnacle geese, as it was once believed that these birds hatched from the shells of barnacles. This idea was prevalent in medieval Europe, leading to a period of curiosity and misinformation regarding the life cycle of barnacles. The confusion surrounding the two species is a testament to the way language and perception evolve over time. Today, the term 'barnacle' is well-recognized in marine biology and ecology, referring to this fascinating group of organisms.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,862 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.