octopus

Definitions

octo- (eight) + pous (foot, Greek) = 'eight-footed.' The eight arms were read as eight feet. A hidden member of the foot family — you'd never guess the foot root from the spelling 'pus.'

Why It Means This

Because octopus is Greek, not Latin, the fake-Latin plural 'octopi' is technically wrong. The standard plural is 'octopuses'; the strictly Greek form would be 'octopodes.' This is a favorite trivia trap.

Common Collocations

• 1.giant octopus巨型章鱼
• 2.octopus arms章鱼的腕
• 3.common octopus普通章鱼

Example Sentences

• 1.

  An octopus can change color to blend into its surroundings.

• 2.

  Divers spotted a giant octopus hiding in the rocks.

• 3.

  Octopuses are surprisingly clever and can open jars to reach food.