xiphosuran

[ zif-uh-soor-uhn ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the order Xiphosura, comprising the horseshoe crabs.

noun

1. an arthropod of the order Xiphosura; a horseshoe crab.

xiphosuran

/ ˌzɪfəˈsjʊərən /

noun

1. any chelicerate arthropod of the subclass Xiphosura, including the horseshoe crabs and many extinct forms

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the subclass Xiphosura

Word History and Origins

Origin of xiphosuran¹

1830–40; < New Latin Xiphosur ( a ) order name (irregular < Greek xíphos sword + -oura, neuter plural of -ouros -tailed, derivative of ourá tail) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of xiphosuran¹

C19: from New Latin Xiphosura, irregularly from Greek xiphos sword + oura tail