malacostracan

American  

[mal-uh-kos-truh-kuhn] / ˌmæl əˈkɒs trə kən /

adjective

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

---

noun

1. a malacostracan crustacean.

malacostracan British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of malacostracan

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

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg