decapod

noun

deca·pod | \ ˈde-kə-ˌpäd

Definition of decapod

1 : any of an order (Decapoda) of crustaceans (such as shrimp, lobsters, and crabs) with five pairs of thoracic appendages one or more of which are modified into pincers, with stalked eyes, and with the head and thorax fused into a cephalothorax and covered by a carapace

2 : any of the cephalopod mollusks (orders Sepioidea and Teuthoidea) with 10 arms including cuttlefishes, squids, and related forms

Other Words from decapod Example Sentences Learn More About decapod

Other Words from decapod

decapod adjective

decapodan \ di-ˈka-pə-dən

\ adjective or noun

decapodous \ di-ˈka-pə-dəs

\ adjective

Examples of decapod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the survivors of this catastrophe—including decapods—thrived in the aftermath. — National Geographic, 24 Apr. 2019

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