stomatopod

[stoh-mat-uh-pod, stoh-muh-tuh-]

noun

1. any crustacean of the order Stomatopoda, having a carapace that does not cover the posterior thorax and a broad abdomen bearing gills on the appendages.

stomatopod

/ ˈstəʊ-, ˈstɒmətəˌpɒd /

noun

1. any marine crustacean of the order Stomatopoda, having abdominal gills: subclass Malacostraca. The group includes the mantis shrimp

Word History and Origins

Origin of stomatopod¹

First recorded in 1875–80; stomato- + -pod

Word History and Origins

Origin of stomatopod¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek stoma mouth + -podos, pous foot

Example Sentences

Much like Synalpheus's snap, the stomatopod's strike can be deadly to marine invertebrates or small fish -- and it can injure unsuspecting marine biologists.

From New York Times

The mantis shrimp, actually a stomatopod, has bright red appendages, just two-tenths of an inch, that can smash through mollusk shells, the heads of small fish and even glass aquarium walls.

From New York Times