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Cephalopod Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cephalopod

[หˆsษ›fษ™lษ™หŒpษ’d ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sea creature

A cephalopod is a type of marine animal characterized by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and a set of arms or tentacles. They belong to the class Cephalopoda, which includes octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses.

Synonyms

cuttlefish, nautilus, octopus, squid.

Examples of usage

  • Cephalopods are known for their intelligence and ability to change color for camouflage.
  • Squids and octopuses are two common cephalopods found in the ocean.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Cephalopods are known for their advanced nervous systems, making them some of the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet.
  • Their ability to change color and texture is due to specialized cells called chromatophores, which allow for communication and camouflage.

Ecology

  • These creatures play critical roles in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey, maintaining the balance of ocean life.
  • Some species can adapt to various environments, from deep oceans to shallow reefs, showcasing their versatility.

Cultural Significance

  • Cephalopods have appeared in folklore and literature, often depicted as mysterious or formidable, like the Kraken in sea myths.
  • In culinary traditions, they are celebrated in many cultures, with dishes like sushi featuring squid and octopus highlighting their culinary importance.

Technology

  • Research on these animals' adaptive camouflage has inspired advancements in materials science, leading to the development of innovative textiles and coatings.
  • The study of cephalopod intelligence has sparked interest in artificial intelligence, exploring how their problem-solving skills could inform robotics.

Origin of 'cephalopod'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'kephalฤ“' meaning head and 'pous' meaning foot, describing these creatures' unique body structure.
  • Many ancient cultures used the term to describe creatures with tentacles and heads, showing their long-standing significance in human understanding of marine life.

The word 'cephalopod' comes from the Greek words 'kephalฤ“' meaning 'head' and 'pous' meaning 'foot'. This term accurately describes these creatures as their tentacles are attached to their head. Cephalopods have been around for millions of years and have evolved many unique features to adapt to their marine environments.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,574 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.