rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycephalopodMarine mollusk
noun

cephalopod

SEF-uh-luh-pahd/ˈsefələpɑːd/

a marine mollusk with arms or tentacles around its head, such as an octopus or squid

The cuttlefish is a cephalopod with rippling fins and clustered arms.

A cuttlefish swimming gently above a shallow Mediterranean seafloor, side three-quarter view showing its broad oval mantle, rippling side fins, prominent eye and clustered arms near its head, natural mottled russet cream coloration, underwater light and a few rocks.
Etymology
cephaloGreekhead
+podGreekfoot

The name literally combines “head” and “foot,” picturing these animals as head-footed: their tentacles attach to a distinct head. This anatomical arrangement gives the group its name.

In context

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada21:28
they are in the group of cephalopod and their close relatives are cuttlefish and Squid
Eight arms of awesome!

More examples

  • An octopus is a cephalopod, not a fish.
  • Many cephalopods change color to blend into their surroundings.
  • A nautilus is a cephalopod protected by a coiled shell.

Forms

cephalopod · cephalopods

Similar words

mollusk
A broader group that also includes snails and clams.
octopus
A specific cephalopod with eight arms and no external shell.
squid
A specific cephalopod with eight arms and two longer tentacles.