crustacean

noun

crus·​ta·​cean ˌkrə-ˈstā-shən 

: any of a large class (Crustacea) of mostly aquatic mandibulate arthropods that have a chitinous or calcareous and chitinous exoskeleton, a pair of often much modified appendages on each segment, and two pairs of antennae and that include the lobsters, shrimp, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles

crustacean adjective

Examples of crustacean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new crustacean was discovered deep in the Atacama Trench that lies off of the coast of Peru, scientists reported in the journal . —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Utilitarian garb and fair isle flair take on a touch of camp with nautical kitsch, from crustacean creations for your home to jewelry and bag charms that can only be described as fin-flippin’ fantastic. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

The birds typically feast on squid, fish and crustaceans, according to Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

There were fish living in the ice and thousands of mating pairs of these giant crustaceans dropping out of crevices on top of us, like giant crabby spiders. —Jill Heinerth, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

crustacean

noun

crus·​ta·​cean ˌkrəs-ˈtā-shən 

: any of a large class of mostly water-dwelling arthropods (as lobsters, shrimps, crabs, wood lice, water fleas, and barnacles) having an exoskeleton of chitin or chitin and a compound of calcium

crustacean adjective