malacostracan

[ mal-uh-kos-truh-kuhn ]

adjective

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

noun

1. a malacostracan crustacean.

malacostracan

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of malacostracan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of malacostracan¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek malakōstrakos, from malaco- + ostrakon shell

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, the two limbless segments that precede the caudal furca are decidedly non-malacostracan.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg