Uropod
/ˈjʊərəpɒd/noun
A posterior appendage on the abdomen of certain crustaceans, used mainly for swimming, steering, or defense.
Did you know?The first half of uropod shares its Greek root, οὐρά (*oura*, “tail”), with Ouroboros—the serpent symbolically consuming its own tail.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
οὐρά (oura)
“Tail; the rear or tail-end of an animal”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πούς, ποδός (pous, podos)
“Foot; the inflected form podos became the source of many scientific compounds”
19th Century
Scientific Greek/Latin
uro- + -pod
“A combining form meaning “tail” joined to one meaning “foot””
19th Century
Zoological Latin
uropod
“A tail-like foot or posterior appendage of a crustacean”
Modern English
English
uropod
“A specialized terminal abdominal appendage, especially in crustaceans”