barnacles
|bar-na-cles|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈbɑrnəkəlz/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɑːnəkəlz/
(barnacle)
marine crustacean
Etymology
Etymology Information
'barnacle' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'bernakke,' where 'ber-' meant 'bear' and '-nakke' meant 'neck.'
Historical Evolution
'bernakke' transformed into the modern English word 'barnacle' through Old French influence.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a type of goose, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a marine crustacean.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of marine crustacean that attaches itself permanently to a variety of surfaces, including rocks, ship hulls, and even other animals.
The ship's hull was covered in barnacles after months at sea.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/05/05 16:16