1. A small crustacean that attaches itself to rocks, ship hulls, and other surfaces in seawater.
Usage: Also called barnacle; bernicle is an archaic or variant spelling.
2. A type of goose (Branta leucopsis) with black and white plumage, found in northern regions.
Usage: Also called brant goose or bernicle goose; archaic or regional usage.

Examples

• The ship's hull was covered with bernicles after months at sea.
• Bernicles clung to the rocks along the rocky shore.
• A flock of bernicles migrated south for the winter.
• The old sailor told stories of bernicles encrusting the anchor.
• Marine biologists studied how bernicles filter food from the water.