n. 1. Any of numerous marine gastropod mollusks that have a conical shell and often adhere to rocks in intertidal areas, especially those of the order Patellogastropoda. 2. One that clings persistently. 3. A type of explosive designed to cling to the hull of a ship and detonate on contact or signal. [Probably Middle English lempet, limpet (sense uncertain); akin to Old English lamprede, lempedu, lamprey (both the limpet and the lamprey being noted for their powerful suckers), from Medieval Latin lamprēda; see LAMPREY.] |
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