squid

¹

[skwid]

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).

SQUID

²

[skwid]

noun

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

squid

¹

/ 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

verb

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

SQUID

²

abbreviation

1. superconducting quantum interference device

squid

³

/ skwɪd /

noun

1. slang,  a pound sterling

Word History and Origins

Origin of squid¹

First recorded in 1605–15; origin uncertain

Origin of squid²

First recorded in 1965–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of squid¹

C17: of unknown origin

Origin of squid²

C20: rhyming slang for _quid

Example Sentences

When scaled up to the regional population, this adds up to about 88,000 tonnes of squid annually.

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It was first grouped with squids and octopuses, then with sea slugs, jellyfish ancestors, and even worms.

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The twilight zone teems with life, including krill, squid, fish, octopus, and delicate jelly-like species.

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Others were bigger, like fish and squid and bizarre jelly creatures.

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"This natural pigment is what gives an octopus or a squid its ability to camouflage -- a fantastic superpower -- and our achievement to advance production of this material is just the tip of the iceberg."

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