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n. pl. oc·to·pus·es or oc·to·pi (-pī′) 1. Any of various carnivorous marine cephalopod mollusks chiefly of the family Octopodidae, having a soft body, eight arms with suckers, a large distinct head, and a mouth with a strong beak. 2. Something, such as a multinational corporation, that has many powerful, centrally controlled branches. [New Latin Octōpūs, genus name, from Greek oktōpous, eight-footed : oktō, eight; see oktō(u) in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + pous, foot; see ped- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) octopustwo-spot octopus Octopus bimaculatus |
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