Definition of ostracod

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ostracoderm >

os·tra·cod    (str-kd) KEY 

NOUN:

Any of various minute, chiefly freshwater crustaceans of the subclass Ostracoda, having a bivalve carapace.

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ETYMOLOGY:
New Latin Ostracda, subclass name, from Greek ostrakds, testaceous, from ostrakon, shell; see ost- in Indo-European roots