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noun

crustacean

kruhs-TAY-shuhn

Crustacean (noun) means a hard-shelled creature such as a crab, lobster, shrimp, or barnacle, mostly living in water. Example: “Lobsters and crabs are both crustaceans.”

noun
1
A hard-shelled creature such as a crab, lobster, shrimp, or barnacle, mostly living in water.
"Lobsters and crabs are both crustaceans."

How to use crustacean

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA group of shelled sea creatures that includes crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles.

Word forms

more crustacean comparative, crustaceans plural, most crustacean superlative

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

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Can you complete this real example?

Lobsters and crabs are both _____.

Etymology

From the scientific name Crustacea, based on Latin crusta ("shell" or "crust") — named for their hard outer shell.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for crustacean

See all rhymes for crustacean →

Frequently asked questions

What does “crustacean” mean?

The word “crustacean” means a hard-shelled creature such as a crab, lobster, shrimp, or barnacle, mostly living in water. In plain terms, a group of shelled sea creatures that includes crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles.

How do you pronounce “crustacean”?

“Crustacean” is pronounced kruhs-TAY-shuhn (/kɹʌsˈteɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “crustacean” in a sentence?

Here is “crustacean” used in a sentence: “Lobsters and crabs are both crustaceans.”

What part of speech is “crustacean”?

“Crustacean” is a noun.

Where does the word “crustacean” come from?

The word “crustacean” comes from Latin. From the scientific name Crustacea, based on Latin crusta ("shell" or "crust") — named for their hard outer shell.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial