copepod

noun

co·​pe·​pod ˈkō-pə-ˌpäd How to pronounce copepod (audio)
: any of a large subclass (Copepoda) of usually minute freshwater and marine crustaceans
copepod adjective

Examples of copepod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rockfish larvae feed on zooplankton known as copepods. Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2024 Scientists say the whales were likely trailing tiny crustaceans called copepods, which were seeking cooler waters because climate change has warmed traditional habitats such as the Gulf of Maine and the Bay of Fundy, between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Josh Axelrod, Scientific American, 26 June 2024 North Pacific right whales are baleen whales, which feed by straining huge volumes of ocean water through their comb-like baleen plates that trap copepods and other zooplankton. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 27 May 2024 This copepod, a type of crustacean, grows on the host’s eyes and consumes corneal tissue, rendering Greenland sharks virtually blind. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for copepod 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'copepod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek kōpē oar, handle + pod-, pous foot; probably akin to Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1, foot

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of copepod was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near copepod

Cite this Entry

“Copepod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copepod. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

copepod

noun
co·​pe·​pod ˈkō-pə-ˌpäd How to pronounce copepod (audio)
: any of a large group of usually tiny freshwater and saltwater crustaceans
copepod adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on copepod

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