How Do You Spell OCTOPUS?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒktəpəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "octopus" might appear odd to some, as it deviates from usual English word patterns. However, its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˈɒktəpʊs/ (ock-tuh-puhs), with the "ct" and "p" sounds being emphasized. The "ct" combination is derived from the Greek origin of the word, "oktopous," which means "eight-footed." The "pus" suffix is a common Latin ending for animal names. Thus, the spelling of "octopus" has roots in both Greek and Latin languages.

OCTOPUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Octopus is a noun that refers to a marine creature belonging to the order Octopoda, which is characterized by its soft-bodied, eight-armed structure. It is considered one of the most intelligent and adaptable creatures in the ocean. Octopuses are members of the cephalopod family, which also comprises squids and cuttlefish.

    Physically, an octopus typically exhibits a bulbous head, large eyes, and a mouth surrounded by tentacles. Each of its eight flexible and muscular arms is equipped with suction cups that enable the octopus to manipulate objects and capture prey efficiently. Furthermore, octopuses possess a sharp beak-like mouth that they use to break open shells of various marine animals they hunt.

    Octopuses famously possess the ability to change color and texture rapidly, enabling them to camouflage and blend effectively with their surroundings. This remarkable attribute is facilitated by special pigment cells called chromatophores present in their skin. Thus, octopuses can alter their appearance to avoid predators or surprise prey.

    Moreover, octopuses exhibit a high level of intelligence. They possess well-developed sensory organs, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to learn through observation. Some species display extraordinary behaviors, such as tool use and mimicry, demonstrating their cognitive abilities.

    In summary, an octopus is a highly adaptive marine creature characterized by its eight arms, soft body, and distinctive intelligence. Its unique physical features and remarkable abilities contribute to its significance in marine ecosystems and make it a subject of fascination and study for scientists.

Top Common Misspellings for OCTOPUS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for OCTOPUS

Etymology of OCTOPUS

The word octopus originated from the Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: okto meaning eight, and pous meaning foot. Hence, octopus literally translates to eight-footed.

Similar spelling words for OCTOPUS

Plural form of OCTOPUS is OCTOPUSES

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: