isopod

noun

iso·​pod ˈī-sə-ˌpäd How to pronounce isopod (audio)
: any of a large order (Isopoda) of small sessile-eyed aquatic or terrestrial crustaceans with the body composed of seven free thoracic segments each bearing a pair of similar legs
isopod adjective

Examples of isopod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The examples are numerous, from giant isopods that resemble overgrown pill bugs to the elusive colossal squid. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2024 Common coastal stowaways included amphipods, isopods, hydroids and bryozoans, most of which originated from the northwest Pacific. Tim Brinkhof, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2023 First, mobile scavengers like sleeper sharks, hagfish, and isopods travel long distances to feast on the carcass. Popsci Staff, Popular Science, 10 May 2023 Meet the giant deep-sea isopod here. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2022 Chilly waters also slow the metabolism of some species, like giant isopods, so that an environment with minimal food isn’t as problematic. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 8 Oct. 2019 Chief among these sea bottom dwellers are giant isopods, scientifically known as Bathynomus giganteus. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 12 Apr. 2019 Giant isopods can go a remarkable four years without food. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 12 Apr. 2019 Most were spineless marine critters: sea stars, sea slugs, oysters, barnacles, mussels, amphipods, bryozoans and isopods. Ben Guarino, Alaska Dispatch News, 29 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'isopod.' 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 Greek is- + pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isopod was circa 1835

Dictionary Entries Near isopod

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

isopod

noun
iso·​pod ˈī-sə-ˌpäd How to pronounce isopod (audio)
: any of a large order of small crustaceans (as a wood louse) with a thorax made up of seven segments of which each bears a pair of legs
isopod adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on isopod

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!