Main Entry: mal·a·cos·tra·can

Pronunciation: \ˌma-lə-ˈkäs-tri-kən\

Function: noun

Etymology: ultimately from Greek malakostrakos soft-shelled, from malakos soft + ostrakon shell — more at mollify, oyster

Date: 1835

: any of a large subclass (Malacostraca) of crustaceans having a thorax consisting of eight segments usually covered by a carapace and including the decapods and isopods

— malacostracan adjective