ostracod

American  

[os-truh-kod] / ˈɒs trəˌkɒd /

noun

1. seed shrimp.

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ostracod British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• ostracodan adjective
• ostracodous adjective

Etymology

Origin of ostracod

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

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.

From Science Magazine

That is 273 million years earlier than the glowing ostracod crustaceans that previously held the title of earliest evolution of bioluminescence in animals.

From Science Daily

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.

From Science Daily

The glow was emanating from a group of marine ostracods—tiny, shrimplike crustaceans that have long fascinated seafarers and scientists.

From Science Magazine

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

From Science Magazine