octopus

oc-to-pus · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A cephalopod mollusk with eight sucker-bearing arms, a soft sac-like body, and strong beak-like jaws.

  2. 2.

    Something resembling an octopus, especially an organization with many branches or extensive influence.

Forms

plural: octopuses/octopi/octopodes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    like an octopus — having many arms or reaching in many directions

Related words

See also: cephalopod, marine, squid
Synonyms: cephalopod

Etymology

From Greek oktopous ("eight-footed"), from okto ("eight") + pous ("foot"). The word entered English in the 18th century. The plural can be octopuses (English plural), octopi (Latin-style, though technically incorrect), or octopodes (Greek-style).