thoracostraca Meaning, Definition & Usage

Tho`ra*cos"tra*ca noun plural

Etymology

NL. See Thorax, and Ostracoid, a.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) An extensive division of Crustacea, having a dorsal shield or carapec niting all, or nearly all, of the thoracic somites to the head. It includes the crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and similar species.