squid

¹ American  

[skwid] / skwɪd /

noun

plural

squid,

plural

squids

1. any of several ten-armed cephalopods, as of the genera Loligo and Ommastrephes, having a slender body and a pair of rounded or triangular caudal fins and varying in length from 4–6 inches (10–15 centimeters) to 60–80 feet (18–24 meters).

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SQUID ² American  

[skwid] / skwɪd /

noun

1. superconducting quantum interference device: a device that senses minute changes in magnetic fields, used to indicate neural activity in the brain.

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squid ¹ British  

/ skwɪd /

noun

1. any of various fast-moving pelagic cephalopod molluscs of the genera Loligo, Ommastrephes , etc, of most seas, having a torpedo-shaped body ranging from about 10 centimetres to 16.5 metres long and a pair of triangular tail fins: order Decapoda (decapods) See also cuttlefish

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verb

1. (intr) (of a parachute) to assume an elongated squidlike shape owing to excess air pressure

SQUID ² British  

abbreviation

1. superconducting quantum interference device

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squid ³ British  

/ skwɪd /

noun

1. slang a pound sterling

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Etymology

Origin of squid¹

First recorded in 1605–15; origin uncertain

Origin of SQUID²

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

By combining genomic data with fossil evidence, the researchers reconstructed both the timeline and environmental context of squid and cuttlefish evolution.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

If you play with squid, be ready for the ink.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Grey seals typically feed on fish such as sand eels, cod and herring, as well as squid and crustaceans.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

According to Robison, fish, crustaceans, squid and other warm-water species are moving into what used to be considered cooler waters.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

“Like mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians? Okay? Then that didn’t work. It was too confusing with the squid and the horseshoe crab.”

From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson