noun

arthropod

AR-thruh-pod

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Arthropod (noun) means an invertebrate animal with a hard outer exoskeleton and several jointed legs or limbs. Example: “Insects, spiders and crabs are all arthropods.”

noun

An invertebrate animal with a hard outer exoskeleton and several jointed legs or limbs.

"Insects, spiders and crabs are all arthropods."

"An arthropod must shed its exoskeleton in order to grow."

"Arthropods range from tiny insects to crabs and spiders, but all share jointed limbs."

How to use arthropod

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn arthropod is any small creature with a hard shell-like covering and jointed legs, such as an insect or spider.

When to use it

It is a scientific term used mainly in biology and zoology rather than in casual speech.

Memory tip

Spot the word's two Greek parts to remember its meaning: arthro- for joint, -pod for foot.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

arthropod exoskeleton arthropod species arthropod appendages phylum Arthropoda

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “arthropod” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Insects, spiders and crabs are all _____.

Etymology

Arthropod comes from the New Latin scientific name Arthropoda, which was itself built from Ancient Greek arthron, meaning "joint", and pous, meaning "foot".

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for arthropod

cephalopod

See all rhymes for arthropod →

Frequently asked questions

What is an arthropod?

An arthropod is an invertebrate animal with a jointed body and a hard exoskeleton instead of an internal skeleton.

What animals count as arthropods?

Insects, arachnids such as spiders, and other jointed-legged invertebrates are all arthropods.

Why is it called an arthropod?

The name literally means "jointed foot", from the Greek words for joint and foot, referring to their jointed limbs.

What is the meaning of arthropod?

"arthropod" (noun) means an invertebrate animal with a hard outer exoskeleton and several jointed legs or limbs.