n., pl., -pus·es, or -pi (-pī').
- Any of numerous carnivorous marine mollusks of the genus Octopus or related genera, found worldwide. The octopus has a rounded soft body, eight arms with each bearing two rows of suckers, a large distinct head, and a strong beaklike mouth. Also called devilfish.
- Something, such as a multinational corporation, that has many powerful, centrally controlled branches.
[New Latin Octōpūs, genus name, from Greek oktōpous, eight-footed : oktō, eight + pous, foot.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
