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Crustacean: meaning, definitions and examples

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crustacean

 

[ˈkrʌsteɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

seafood

A crustacean is a type of arthropod found in the ocean, characterized by a hard exoskeleton and jointed limbs. They include creatures like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

Synonyms

seafood, shellfish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crustacean

Used to describe a broad category of aquatic animals with a hard shell, typically for scientific or educational contexts.

  • Crabs and lobsters are common examples of crustaceans.
  • Marine biologists study crustaceans to understand marine ecosystems.
shellfish

Specifically refers to marine animals with shells, usually in culinary contexts. This term is also used in relation to allergies.

  • She is allergic to shellfish, so she avoids shrimp and oysters.
  • Clams, mussels, and scallops are types of shellfish.
seafood

Used when referring to food that comes from the sea, commonly in culinary contexts.

  • The restaurant's menu features a variety of seafood dishes.
  • I love eating fresh seafood when I'm on the coast.

Examples of usage

  • Many people enjoy eating crustaceans such as lobster and crab.
  • Crustaceans are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
Context #2 | Noun

zoology

A crustacean is a member of the class Crustacea, which includes over 67,000 species. They are primarily aquatic animals and play important roles in marine ecosystems.

Synonyms

arthropod, invertebrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crustacean

Use this term when referring specifically to members of the large, diverse group that includes crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, and barnacles. Crustacean is appropriate in scientific contexts and in situations where precision is important.

  • The marine biologist specialized in the study of crustaceans.
  • Lobsters are a type of crustacean commonly found in seafood dishes.
arthropod

This term is broader and can be used when referring to a member of the phylum Arthropoda, which includes not only crustaceans but also insects, arachnids, and myriapods. Use it in scientific discussions that cover a wide range of species within this phylum.

  • Insects, spiders, and crustaceans all belong to the arthropod family.
  • Arthropods are characterized by their exoskeletons and segmented bodies.
invertebrate

Use this term when referring to animals lacking a backbone. It includes not only arthropods but also mollusks, cnidarians, and many other groups. Suitable in general biological discussions and educational contexts.

  • Jellyfish, worms, and insects are examples of invertebrates.
  • The study of invertebrates is crucial for understanding biodiversity.

Examples of usage

  • The diversity of crustaceans is astounding, with species ranging from tiny copepods to large lobsters.
  • Crustaceans are known for their diverse body shapes and sizes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'crustaceus', meaning 'having a crust or shell'.
  • It is related to the Latin word 'crusta', which means 'a crust or shell'.
  • Crustaceans were named in the 18th century during the scientific naming of species.

Biology

  • Crustaceans are part of the class Malacostraca, which includes over 40,000 species.
  • They have a segmented body, usually with a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, which they shed to grow.
  • Many crustaceans undergo a complex life cycle that includes larval and adult stages, often spending the early stages in different environments.

Ecology

  • Crustaceans play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems as both predators and prey.
  • They are important for the health of coral reefs and are critical in maintaining the balance of marine life.
  • Some species can adapt to both freshwater and saltwater, showcasing their versatility in different habitats.

Culinary

  • Crustaceans like shrimp and crabs are popular seafood items and are a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
  • In some cultures, lobsters are considered delicacies and are often served in festive meals.
  • Cooking methods for crustaceans include boiling, grilling, and baking, which can enhance their flavor and texture.

Conservation

  • Many crustacean species are threatened due to overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.
  • Conservation efforts focus on sustainable fishing practices to protect crustacean populations.
  • Some crustaceans are used as bioindicators, helping scientists assess the health of aquatic environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "crustacean" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crustáceo

🇮🇳 क्रस्टेशियन

🇩🇪 Krebs

🇮🇩 krustasea

🇺🇦 ракоподібні

🇵🇱 skorupiak

🇯🇵 甲殻類

🇫🇷 crustacé

🇪🇸 crustáceo

🇹🇷 kabuklu

🇰🇷 갑각류

🇸🇦 القشريات

🇨🇿 korýš

🇸🇰 kôrovcovité

🇨🇳 甲壳类

🇸🇮 raki

🇮🇸 krabba

🇰🇿 қабықтылар

🇬🇪 კრევეტები

🇦🇿 qabıqlı

🇲🇽 crustáceo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,812, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.