crustacean

noun crus·ta·cean \ ˌkrə-ˈstā-shən \

|Updated on: 11 Jul 2018

Definition of crustacean

: any of a large class (Crustacea) of mostly aquatic mandibulate arthropods that have a chitinous or calcareous and chitinous exoskeleton, a pair of often much modified appendages on each segment, and two pairs of antennae and that include the lobsters, shrimp, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles

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crustacean

adjective

See crustacean defined for English-language learners

See crustacean defined for kids

Recent Examples of crustacean from the Web

But interest in the colorful crustacean peaked this week when Russell’s Instagram photo was reposted by a Maine lobster fisherman.

— eli meixler, Time, "A 'One-in-100 Million' Cotton Candy-Colored Lobster Was Found Near Maine," 14 June 2018
The crustaceans were discovered in 1859 following a mass stranding in Monterey Bay.

— elaina zachos, National Geographic, "Thousands of Tiny Red Crustaceans Strand on California Beach," 12 June 2018
Down, out this Friday, will do a good job of shattering any lingering childhood illusions of vegetarian sharks or musical crustaceans.

— refinery29.com, "These Terrifying Movies Will Ruin Your Beach Vacation," 11 June 2018
The list encompassed data for all walks of life, including mammals, birds, insects, fish, crustaceans and more.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "How Does Your Vision Compare to Other Critters in the Animal Kingdom?," 7 June 2018
Batfish use their pectoral, or side-fins, as 'legs' to 'crawl' on the seafloor to feed on worms, and small crustaceans and fish.

— jennifer earl, Fox News, "Bizarre deep sea creature washes up on Texas beach, puzzles park rangers," 19 June 2018
Like the Japanese, the Norwegians are ardent seafood lovers, and Froya is renowned for these crustaceans, among other seafood.

— alexander lobrano, New York Times, "New New Nordic Cuisine Takes Hold in Oslo," 29 May 2018
Mature sea lice are gray, lentil-sized crustaceans, also called ectoparasites, that look like small, fanged tadpoles.

— amanda little, WIRED, "The Laser Battle Against Blood-Sucking Parasites of the Deep," 23 May 2018
In Maryland, crab season begins April 1, but the crustaceans typically aren’t harvested in large numbers until May or June.

— scott dance, baltimoresun.com, "Crab crackdown? Feds' move to restrict food stamp use for carryout crabs seen as new threat to seafood industry," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crustacean.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of crustacean

1835

in the meaning defined above

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CRUSTACEAN Defined for English Language Learners

crustacean

noun

Definition of crustacean for English Language Learners

: a type of animal (such as a crab or lobster) that has several pairs of legs and a body made up of sections that are covered in a hard outer shell

CRUSTACEAN Defined for Kids

crustacean

noun crus·ta·cean \ ˌkrəs-ˈtā-shən \

Definition of crustacean for Students

: any of a large group of mostly water animals (as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps) with a body made of segments, a tough outer shell, two pairs of antennae, and limbs that are jointed