Barnacle

A marine crustacean that attaches itself permanently to a variety of surfaces, especially the undersides of ships, rocks, and other hard structures in the ocean. Barnacles are encased in hard, limy plates and feed by filtering plankton from the water using feathery appendages. They are known for their tenacity and ability to withstand harsh marine conditions. Their presence on ships and other structures can increase drag, leading to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs. Barnacles undergo a larval stage and then metamorphose into their adult form.

Barnacle meaning with examples

• The hull of the ship was covered in a thick layer of barnacles, hindering its speed and increasing fuel consumption. Cleaning the barnacles required specialized equipment and was a regular maintenance chore for the crew, ensuring optimal performance on the open sea and preventing corrosion.
• As the tide receded, a cluster of barnacles became visible, clinging tenaciously to the rocks along the shore. They were a testament to the enduring power of nature, withstanding crashing waves and changing currents. Their presence was a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem.
• Divers regularly inspect the underwater infrastructure, like oil rigs and offshore wind turbines, for barnacle growth. Removing the barnacles is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of structures, the flow of oil, and the functionality of machinery in the deep sea.
• The underside of the buoy was encrusted with barnacles, their shells creating a rough, textured surface. Over time, these barnacles weighed it down, which changed how the buoy floated, so it had to be cleaned for accurate readings and warnings.