malacostracous

Variant of malacostracan

malacostracan definition

mala·cos·tra·can (mal′ə käs′trə kən)

adjective

of a large class (Malacostraca) of highly evolved crustaceans typically consisting of 19 segments, including the decapods, krill, and isopods
also malacostracous mal′a·cos′·tra·cous (-kəs)

Etymology: < ModL Malacostraca < Gr malakostrakos, soft-shelled < malakos, soft (see malaco-) + ostrakon, shell + -an

noun

such a crustacean

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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