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Definition of: malacostracan
(mal′·ə·kos′trə·kən) noun
Any of a division or subclass (Malacostraca) of crustaceans, embracing crabs, lobsters, crayfish, etc.
—adjective Of or pertaining to the Malacostraca: also mal′a·cos′tra·cous. [<NL Malacostraca, subclass name <Gk. malakostrakos soft–shelled <malakos soft + ostrakon a shell]
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