Inflected forms: pl. oc·to·pus·es or oc·to·pi (-p) 1. Any of numerous carnivorous marine mollusks of the genus Octopus or related genera, found worldwide. The octopus has a rounded soft body, eight tentacles with each bearing two rows of suckers, a large distinct head, and a strong beaklike mouth. Also called devilfish. 2. Something, such as a multinational corporation, that has many powerful, centrally controlled branches.
ETYMOLOGY:
New Latin Octps, genus name, from Greek oktpous, eight-footed : okt, eight; see okt(u) in Appendix I + pous, foot; see ped- in Appendix I.
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s, genus name, from Greek okt
