ostracod

[os-truh-kod]

noun

1. seed shrimp.

ostracod

/ ˌɒstrəˈkəʊdən, ˈɒstrəˌkɒd /

noun

1. any minute crustacean of the mainly freshwater subclass Ostracoda, in which the body is enclosed in a transparent two-valved carapace

Other Word Forms

• ostracodan adjective
• ostracodous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracod¹

1860–65; < New Latin Ostracoda name of the subclass < Greek ostrakṓdēs, equivalent to óstrak ( on ) shell, tile ( ostracize ) + -ōdēs -ode ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostracod¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek ostrakōdēs having a shell, from ostrakon shell

Example Sentences

Until recently, scientists thought the ability—which has evolved independently at least 94 times—first emerged about 267 million years ago in small marine crustaceans called ostracods.

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Until now, the earliest dated origin of bioluminescence in animals was thought to be around 267 million years ago in small marine crustaceans called ostracods.

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Morin, who has studied the mechanisms of bioluminescence in marine organisms since 1980, said there are more than 100 species of signaling ostracods in the Caribbean.

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Individual ostracods turned out to be extraordinarily sensitive to the timing of these artificial flashes and the bioluminescent signals of their neighbors; they modulated the timing of their own flashes in response.

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The meal, she discovered, consisted of ostracods, tiny crustaceans with vaulting shells.

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