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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Explore a new deep-sea exhibit Giant isopods scurry like roly-poly bugs in a touch tank. John Metcalfe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 The giant isopod has seven pairs of legs and moves slowly, deep in the ocean. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 9 Aug. 2023 Paddling in the deepest depths of the Atlantic Ocean, the poker chip–size invertebrates—isopods of the species Bathyopsurus nybelini—tug along fronds of seaweed sometimes longer than themselves while swimming upside down and backward. Byhannah Richter, science.org, 10 Sep. 2024 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

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 3 Dec. 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

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