remipede
/ˈrɛmɪpiːd/(also remiped) Zoology
noun
Any of various aquatic insects and crustaceans having limbs that are oar-shaped and adapted for swimming. Now: specifically any of several small primitive crustaceans constituting the class Remipedia, which are found in marine caves and have wormlike segmented bodies, each segment bearing a pair of biramous swimming limbs.
- Originally known only as a fossil, the first living members of the Remipedia were discovered in 1979..
adjective
Of an aquatic insect or crustacean: having limbs that are oar-shaped and adapted for swimming. Now: specifically of or relating to the class Remipedia of crustaceans.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in William Kirby (1759–1850), entomologist and naturalist. From French rémipède from classical Latin rēmipedus oar-footed (as epithet of web-footed birds, in a solitary attestation) from rēmus oar + pēd-, pēs foot. In modern use, after scientific Latin Remipedia, class name. Compare scientific Latin Remipes, genus name of a crustacean (1804 in Latreille; from post-classical Latin remipes oar-footed, alteration (after adjectives in -pēs: see -ped) of classical Latin rēmipedus).