octopus
UK: ˈɒktəpəs | US: ˈɑːktəpəs
n. a sea creature with eight long arms/tentacles and a soft body, belonging to the cephalopod family
The word "octopus" derives from Greek oktōpous (ὀκτώπους), combining oktō (eight) and pous (foot). It entered English via Latin. The term vividly describes the animal's eight appendages, historically mistaken for "feet" (though they function as arms). The plural form follows Greek roots ("octopodes"), but "octopuses" (English) and "octopi" (Latinized) are also accepted.
The octopus camouflaged itself against the coral reef.
Scientists study the octopus for its remarkable intelligence.
An octopus can regrow a lost tentacle over time.
The aquarium has a giant Pacific octopus on display.
She sketched an octopus with intricate detail.