swimmeret

[ swim-uh-ret ]

noun

1. (in many crustaceans) one of a number of abdominal limbs or appendages, usually adapted for swimming and for carrying eggs, as distinguished from other limbs adapted for walking or seizing.

swimmeret

/ ˈswɪməˌrɛt /

noun

1. any of the small paired appendages on the abdomen of crustaceans, used chiefly in locomotion and reproduction Also calledpleopod

swimmeret

/ swĭm′ə-rĕt′ /

1. One of the paired abdominal appendages of certain aquatic crustaceans, such as shrimp, lobsters, and isopods. Swimmerets are normally found on the first five abdominal segments and typically terminate in paired oarlike branches. They function primarily for carrying the eggs in females and are usually adapted for swimming.
2. Also called pleopod

Word History and Origins

Origin of swimmeret¹

1830–40; swimmer ( def ) + -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of swimmeret¹

C19: from swim + -er ¹+ -et

Example Sentences

Mathematics will allow us to step back from the specifics of the swimmeret system and describe how limb coordination is being achieved.”

From US News

For some ten months the female lobster carries the eggs in this way, aerating them all the time with the movement of the swimmerets.

From Project Gutenberg

They can swim along by using the little "swimmerets" under their bodies.

From Project Gutenberg

The crayfish, a lobster-like crustacean that uses four abdominal appendages known as swimmerets to propel itself through streams and lakes, may provide some of the answers.

From US News

We know for each swimmeret which neurons export information about the swimmerets’ movement to other parts of the nervous system, and we know the neurons they talk to,” Mulloney said.

From US News