barnacle

barnacles (the round white objects clinging to a rock)

 

a kind of sea animal – shellfish – small with six plate- shell (outer cover); having feather like growth (legs) to filter the water for food (filter feeders); grows to an average length of seven cm; distantly related to crabs and lobsters; about1,220 species found in sea waters

Special Features:

It lives its entire adult life in its shell attaching itself to some hard substance such as a rock in the water, bottom of ships, floating wood (timber), or even whales.

Though not as popular as other edible shellfish, barnacles are eaten, and ‘goose barnacles’ are eaten as a special item of food (delicacy) in Mediterranean countries.

(a barnacle goose)

 

Note: ‘Barnacle goose’ is a bird that is related to the ducks. (plural – barnacle geese). This goose got its name ‘barnacle goose’ because in olden days people thought that this bird grew from the barnacles (shellfish)!

Figures of Speech:
1.

barnacle = a thing or person that clings (attaches themselves) to others tightly; a person who keeps (stays/comes) too close (to somebody) to be comfortable (for them); something that attaches itself to someone (a problem, or past action) that is difficult to take away (get rid of); somebody (a follower or a police officer) that follows another person and very difficult to get rid of

2.

barnacle = [old usage] (usually in plural ‘barnacles’) an instrument with two hinged branches, like the shells of the barnacle, for pinching the nose of a stubborn (unruly), disobedient horse

3.

barnacles = [old usage] {in British English} spectacles (eye-glasses)

About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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