Dictionary
barnacle
noun bar·na·cle \ˈbär-ni-kəl\
: a kind of small shellfish that attaches itself to rocks and the bottoms of boats underwater
Full Definition of BARNACLE
1
2
[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
— bar·na·cled \-kəld\ adjective
See barnacle defined for English-language learners
See barnacle defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of BARNACLE
Origin of BARNACLE
Middle English barnakille, alteration of bernake, bernekke
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms
BARNACLED Defined for Kids
barnacle
noun bar·na·cle \ˈbär-ni-kəl\
Definition of BARNACLE for Kids
: a small saltwater crustacean that becomes permanently attached (as to rocks or the bottoms of boats) as an adult
Learn More About BARNACLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: barnacle goosePrevious Word in the Dictionary: Barnaby's thistleAll Words Near: barnacle
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up barnacle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).