Octopoid

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Displaying attributes or morphology reminiscent of an octopus
2. Having the shape or characteristics that evoke the appearance of an eight-limbed sea creature
3. Showing physical features or arrangement similar to that of an octopus

Etymology: "Octopoid" is a plain compound: "octopus" with the suffix "-oid," from Greek "eidos," meaning "form" or "likeness," so the word literally means "octopus-like." The suffix "-oid" is used in English to mark something that resembles or takes the form of the thing named before it, as in "humanoid" or "asteroid," the latter once thought to be star-like in appearance. The base word "octopus" comes from Greek "oktopous," built from "okto," meaning "eight," and "pous," meaning "foot." The name reflects the animal's eight arms, which are the features that most readily suggest its form. Because "octopoid" is a descriptive formation built on that name, it is most often applied to things that look or move like an octopus, whether an animal's body plan or a tentacled shape in art, machinery or fiction.