amphipod

noun

am·​phi·​pod ˈam(p)-fi-ˌpäd 

: any of a large order (Amphipoda) of small crustaceans (such as the sand flea) with a laterally compressed body

amphipod adjective

Examples of amphipod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These predators hunt and capture smaller amphipods in the trench as prey using specialized appendages. —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Life in the hadal zone includes unique species like amphipods, sea cucumbers and xenophyophores, which often have evolved adaptations such as soft, compressible bodies to withstand the immense pressures. —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Bartlett wouldn’t be surprised if further research reveals that other denizens of the deep such as sea cucumbers, amphipods, or snailfish use similar curving lipids to live at extreme pressures. —science.org, 3 July 2024

Within them, researchers spotted squat lobsters, sea urchins, and small crustaceans known as amphipods. —Priya Shukla, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from stem of New Latin Amphipoda, order name, from Greek amphi- amphi- + -poda, neuter plural of -podos "having feet (of the kind indicated)," derivative of poús "foot" — more at foot entry 1

Note: The taxon was introduced by the French zoologist Pierre André Latreille (1762-1833) in Nouveau dictionnaire d'histoire naturelle, nouvelle édition, tome 1 (Paris, 1816), p. 467. The name refers to the two distinct kind of legs borne by amphipods.

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

amphipod

noun

am·​phi·​pod ˈam(p)-fi-ˌpäd 

: any of a large group of small crustaceans including the sand fleas and related forms

amphipod adjective