Definitions

1. noun

A barnacle-like structure or growth, especially one formed by the secretion of a marine animal, such as a mussel or an oyster.

“The ship’s hull had formed a bernacle of barnacles that needed to be removed.”

2. noun

A crustacean of the class Cirripedia, especially one of the order Sessilia.

“The bernacle was attached to the rock, filtering the water for plankton and small organisms.”

3. noun

A shell or encrustation forming a structure resembling a barnacle.

“The coral reef was covered in a mass of bernacles that added to its beauty.”