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

Derived Forms

• ostracodan, adjective

Other Words From

• os·tra·co·dan [os-tr, uh, -, kohd, -n], ostra·codous 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