Amphipoda

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Amphipoda \Am*phip"o*da\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. 'amfi` + ?, ?
     foot.] (Zool.)
     A numerous group of fourteen -- footed Crustacea, inhabiting
     both fresh and salt water. The body is usually compressed
     laterally, and the anterior pairs or legs are directed
     downward and forward, but the posterior legs are usually


     turned upward and backward. The beach flea is an example. See
     {Tetradecapoda} and {Arthrostraca}.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  Amphipoda
       n : small flat-bodied semi-terrestrial crustaceans: whale lice;
           sand-hoppers; skeleton shrimp [syn: {order Amphipoda}]