cephalopod

noun

ceph·​a·​lo·​pod ˈse-fə-lə-ˌpäd How to pronounce cephalopod (audio)
: any of a class (Cephalopoda) of marine mollusks including the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses that move by expelling water from a tubular siphon under the head and that have a group of muscular usually sucker-bearing arms around the front of the head, highly developed eyes, and usually a sac containing ink which is ejected for defense or concealment
cephalopod adjective

Examples of cephalopod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The fact that cephalopods—which are usually solitary creatures—are being found congregating near vents, scientists say, could open new doors to octopus study and discovery. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024 For researchers like Krebs or Di Cosmo, the rising popularity of cephalopods has been an extra push in enacting these guidelines. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Ars Technica, 7 Oct. 2023 The cephalopods were found near a small outcrop of rock called El Dorado Hill. 1:11 Scientists have discovered at least four new species of octopus in the deep waters of a 100-square-mile area near Costa Rica, officials from the Schmidt Ocean Institute said on Tuesday. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2024 However, cephalopods receive little, if any, research protection. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Ars Technica, 7 Oct. 2023 The cephalopods were observed near a small outcrop of rock unofficially called El Dorado Hill of the coast of Costa Rica and, because of this, one of the new octopuses -- a new species of Muusoctopus -- will be named Dorado Octopus after the initial location of discovery, scientists said. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2024 Scientists also made amazing discoveries, including that resilient animals dwell beneath hydrothermal vents and that innovative paints can be made that mimic the color-changing abilities of cephalopods. Naomi Greenberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2023 Scientists surge support for cephalopods Scientists may also have had a role. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Ars Technica, 7 Oct. 2023 In the sea surrounding Antarctica, small cephalopods called Turquet’s octopuses have been crawling along the ocean floor for some four million years. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cephalopod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from cephal- + Greek pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cephalopod was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near cephalopod

Cite this Entry

“Cephalopod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cephalopod. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cephalopod

noun
ceph·​a·​lo·​pod ˈsef-ə-lə-ˌpäd How to pronounce cephalopod (audio)
: any of a class of mollusks that include the squids, cuttlefishes, and octopuses and have a group of muscular sucker-bearing arms, highly developed eyes, and usually a bag of inky fluid which can be released for defense

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