cladoceran

[ kluh-dos-er-uhn ]

noun

1. any or several small, transparent crustaceans of the order Cladocera, having the body covered by a bivalve shell from which the head and antennae extend.

adjective

1. Also cla·doc·er·ous [] belonging or pertaining to the Cladocera.

cladoceran

/ kləˈdɒsərən /

noun

1. any minute freshwater crustacean of the order Cladocera, which includes the water fleas

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Cladocera

Word History and Origins

Origin of cladoceran¹

1905–10; < New Latin Cladocer ( a ) ( clado- clado- + -cera, neuter plural of -cerus horned; cero- ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of cladoceran¹

C19: from New Latin Cladocera, from Greek klados shoot + keras horn