malacostracan

[mal-uh-kos-truh-kuhn]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the crustacean subclass Malacostraca, which includes the lobsters, shrimps, crabs, etc.

noun

1. a malacostracan crustacean.

malacostracan

/ ˌmæləˈkɒstrəkən /

noun

1. any crustacean of the subclass or group Malacostraca, including lobsters, crabs, woodlice, sand hoppers, and opossum shrimps

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Malacostraca

Word History and Origins

Origin of malacostracan¹

1825–35; < New Latin Malacostrac ( a ) order of crustacea (< Greek, neuter plural of malakóstrakos soft-shelled, equivalent to malak- malaco- + -ostrakos, adj. derivative of óstrakon shell (of mollusks, etc.); ostracize ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of malacostracan¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek malakōstrakos, from _malaco- + ostrakon shell

Example Sentences

Malacostracan, mal-a-kos′tra-kan, n. an individual belonging to a sub-class of crustaceans, including the shrimps, lobsters, &c.—adj. belonging to this class—also Malacos′tracous.—adj.

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To these succeed eight pairs of foliaceous branchial appendages on the front division of the body, followed on the hind division by four pairs of powerful bifurcate swimming feet and two rudimentary pairs, the number, though not the nature, of these appendages being malacostracan.

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The second antennae, mandibles and two pairs of maxillae may also be claimed as of malacostracan type.

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Amphip�oda, an order of sessile-eyed malacostracan crustaceans, with feet directed partly forward and partly backward.

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