octopus
octopus Lexical Profile
octopus Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A marine cephalopod mollusk with a soft, bilaterally symmetrical body and eight sucker-bearing arms, known for its high intelligence and ability to alter its color and texture for camouflage.
"The octopus cleverly camouflaged itself against the coral reef to avoid being seen by the passing shark."
The flesh of an octopus eaten as food, frequently featured in Mediterranean and East Asian cuisines.
"For the main course, we enjoyed beautifully tender grilled octopus served with a side of roasted potatoes."
An organization or system with many branches, operations, or influences, often perceived as powerful, controlling, or inescapable.
"The multinational corporation had become an octopus, extending its tentacles into nearly every sector of the global economy."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'octopuses' is the standard English plural, 'octopi' is a common hypercorrection based on the mistaken belief that the word is of Latin origin, and 'octopodes' reflects its true Greek etymology.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Greek 'oktōpous' (oktō 'eight' + pous 'foot'), entering English in the mid-18th century via modern Latin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.