isopod
|is-o-pod|
🇺🇸
/ˈaɪsəpɑd/
🇬🇧
/ˈaɪsəpɒd/
equal-footed (same feet)
Etymology
'isopod' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'isos' meaning 'equal' and 'pous / pod-' meaning 'foot', combined in New Latin/technical formation 'Isopoda'.
'isopod' was formed from New Latin taxonomic usage 'Isopoda' (used for the order of crustaceans) and entered English scientific vocabulary as 'isopod', retaining the taxonomic sense.
Initially describing the literal idea of 'equal feet' from its Greek roots, the term came to be used primarily as the technical name for the crustacean order Isopoda and for its members.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any crustacean of the order Isopoda, typically with a dorsoventrally flattened body and several pairs of similar legs; includes many marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species.
Marine biologists studied the diversity of isopods living on the seafloor.
Noun 2
specifically a terrestrial member of Isopoda such as a woodlouse, pillbug, or sowbug (common in gardens and under stones).
I found a small isopod (a pillbug) curled up under the log.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/03 14:48