octopus

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɒktəpəs/

noun (plural octopuses)

  • a cephalopod mollusc with eight sucker-bearing arms, a soft sac-like body, strong beak-like jaws, and no internal shell.
    • Order Octopoda, class Cephalopoda: Octopus and other genera

Derivatives

octopoid

adjective

Origin:

mid 18th century: modern Latin, from Greek oktōpous (see Octopoda)

The standard plural in English of octopus is octopuses. However, the word octopus comes from Greek and the Greek plural form octopodes is still occasionally used. The plural form octopi, formed according to rules for some Latin plurals, is incorrect.