Main Entry: os·tra·cod

Pronunciation: \ˈäs-trə-ˌkäd\

Variant(s): also os·tra·code \-ˌkōd\

Function: noun

Etymology: ultimately from Greek ostrakon

Date: 1865

: any of a subclass (Ostracoda) of very small aquatic crustaceans that have the body enclosed in a bivalve carapace, the body segmentation obscured, the abdomen rudimentary, and only seven pairs of appendages