xiphosuran

[ zif-uh-soo r-uh n ]
/ ˌzɪf əˈsʊər ən /

adjective

belonging or pertaining to the order Xiphosura, comprising the horseshoe crabs.

noun

an arthropod of the order Xiphosura; a horseshoe crab.

Origin of xiphosuran

1830–40; < New Latin Xiphosur(a) order name (irregular < Greek xíphos sword + -oura, neuter plural of -ouros -tailed, derivative of ourá tail) + -an

British Dictionary definitions for xiphosuran

xiphosuran
/ (ˌzɪfəˈsjʊərən) /

noun

any chelicerate arthropod of the subclass Xiphosura, including the horseshoe crabs and many extinct forms

adjective

of, relating to, or belonging to the subclass Xiphosura

Word Origin for xiphosuran

C19: from New Latin Xiphosura, irregularly from Greek xiphos sword + oura tail