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