swimmeret

[ swim-uh-ret ]
/ ˈswɪm əˌrɛt /

noun

(in many crustaceans) one of a number of abdominal limbs or appendages, usually adapted for swimming and for carrying eggs, as distinguished from other limbs adapted for walking or seizing.

Origin of swimmeret

1830–40; swimmer + -et

Words nearby swimmeret

swim mask, swim with the tide, swimfeeder, swimmer's ear, swimmer's itch, swimmeret, swimmers, swimming, swimming bath, swimming costume, swimming crab

British Dictionary definitions for swimmeret

swimmeret
/ (ˈswɪməˌrɛt) /

noun

any of the small paired appendages on the abdomen of crustaceans, used chiefly in locomotion and reproduction Also called: pleopod

Word Origin for swimmeret

C19: from swim + -er 1 + -et

Scientific definitions for swimmeret

swimmeret
[ swĭm′ə-rĕt′ ]

One of the paired abdominal appendages of certain aquatic crustaceans, such as shrimp, lobsters, and isopods. Swimmerets are normally found on the first five abdominal segments and typically terminate in paired oarlike branches. They function primarily for carrying the eggs in females and are usually adapted for swimming. Also called pleopod