'crustacean-like' originates from Modern English, formed by combining the noun 'crustacean' (from New Latin 'Crustacea', where 'crusta' meant 'shell') and the suffix '-like' (from Old English 'līc', meaning 'shape' or 'likeness').

'crustacean' derives from New Latin 'Crustacea' (based on Latin 'crusta' meaning 'shell'); the adjectival suffix '-like' goes back to Old English 'līc' (Middle English 'liche'), and the compound 'crustacean-like' is a later Modern English formation by joining the noun and suffix.

Initially the components referred literally to 'shell' (crusta) and 'likeness' (līc); the compound has retained the straightforward meaning of 'having the appearance or characteristics of a crustacean'.