Crustacean

/krʌˈsteɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A member of the class Crustacea, which includes animals such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles, typically characterized by a hard outer shell and segmented body.
The lobster is a popular crustacean known for its delicious meat.
Any aquatic arthropod that has a chitinous exoskeleton and limbs, often found in marine and freshwater environments.
Crustaceans are an important part of the aquatic food web, serving as both prey and predators.
A type of invertebrate animal that is part of the marine ecosystem.
During my trip to the beach, I observed various crustaceans scuttling across the sand.
An aquatic animal with a segmented body and jointed appendages, often exhibiting various adaptations for life in water.
The unique adaptations of crustaceans enable them to thrive in diverse aquatic habitats.

Etymology

From Latin 'crustaceus' meaning 'having a hard shell'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

crustacean cuisine
Dishes made from crustaceans, particularly seafood.
crustacean habitat
The natural environment where crustaceans live.
crustacean classification
The scientific categorization of crustaceans within the animal kingdom.

Related Words

arthropod
A phylum of invertebrate animals characterized by an exoskeleton, segmented body, and jointed appendages.
decapod
A group of crustaceans that have ten limbs, including crabs and shrimp.
barnacle
A type of crustacean that attaches itself to various surfaces in marine environments.

Slang Meanings

A colloquial term for someone who eats a lot of seafood.
He's such a crustacean; he could eat shrimp every day!
Referring to someone who is hard-shelled or tough in personality.
She can be a real crustacean when it comes to dealing with criticism.