swimmeret

[ swim-uh-ret ]

noun

1. (in many crustaceans) one of a number of abdominal limbs or appendages, usually adapted for swimming and for carrying eggs, as distinguished from other limbs adapted for walking or seizing.

swimmeret

/ ˈswɪməˌrɛt /

noun

1. any of the small paired appendages on the abdomen of crustaceans, used chiefly in locomotion and reproduction Also calledpleopod

swimmeret

/ swĭm′ə-rĕt′ /

1. One of the paired abdominal appendages of certain aquatic crustaceans, such as shrimp, lobsters, and isopods. Swimmerets are normally found on the first five abdominal segments and typically terminate in paired oarlike branches. They function primarily for carrying the eggs in females and are usually adapted for swimming.
2. Also called pleopod

Word History and Origins

Origin of swimmeret¹

1830–40; swimmer ( def ) + -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of swimmeret¹

C19: from swim + -er ¹+ -et