HeyRuaHow to say “barnacle” in Irish
- Irish:
- giúrann
- English:
- barnacle, barnacle goose, shipworm
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GYOO-run” /ˈɟuːɾˠən̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- giúrainn (barnacles)
- Genitive singular:
- giúrainn, an ghiúrainn (e.g. blaosc an ghiúrainn, the shell of the barnacle)
- Genitive plural:
- giúrann, na ngiúrann (e.g. clúdach na ngiúrann, the covering of barnacles)
What does “giúrann” mean?
“Giúrann” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- barnacle
- A small shellfish that fixes itself to rocks, ship hulls and timber in the sea.Also: goose barnacle, acorn barnacle.
2 other meanings: barnacle goose or shipworm
- 2barnacle goose
- A black and white wild goose that winters in Ireland, once believed to grow from barnacles.Also: wild goose.
- 3shipworm
- A marine mollusc that bores into wood in the sea, such as ship timbers.Also: teredo.
“Giúrann” with the article
The plural of barnacle in Irish is giúrainn. Here is giúrann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Giúrann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using giúrann, the Irish word for barnacle.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Barnacle in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for barnacle?
The Irish for barnacle is giúrann (pronounced “GYOO-run”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is giúrainn. Depending on context it can also mean barnacle goose or shipworm.
How do you pronounce giúrann in Irish?
Giúrann is said like “GYOO-run” (IPA /ˈɟuːɾˠən̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of barnacle in Irish?
The plural of giúrann is giúrainn; with the article, na giúrainn means “the barnacles”. The genitive plural is giúrann, as in clúdach na ngiúrann (the covering of barnacles).
Does giúrann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Giúrann can mean barnacle, barnacle goose or shipworm, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does giúrann change to ghiúrann or ngiúrann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) giúrann becomes mo ghiúrann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngiúrann (eclipsis).
Is 'giúrann' the same as 'bairneach'?
No. 'Bairneach' is a limpet, while 'giúrann' is a barnacle; learners often confuse them because 'bairneach' looks like the English word.
Why does 'giúrann' also mean a goose?
People once believed barnacle geese grew from barnacles, so 'giúrann' names both; 'gé ghiúrainn' can make the goose sense clear.
