Main Entry: Co·pep·o·da

Pronunciation: \kō-ˈpep-ə-də\

Function: noun plural

: a subclass of Crustacea comprising minute aquatic forms abundant in both fresh and salt waters and including one order (Eucopepoda) whose members are chiefly free-living and important as fish food and another order (Branchiura) whose members are parasitic on the skin and gills of fish

—co·pe·pod \ˈkō-pə-ˌpäd\ noun or adjective