megalops: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / TechnicalScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “megalops” mean?
A post-larval stage in the development of certain crabs, especially in the genus Callinectes, characterized by large, stalked eyes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A post-larval stage in the development of certain crabs, especially in the genus Callinectes, characterized by large, stalked eyes.
In historical biological literature, the term can also refer to a genus of tropical fish (family Megalopidae), now more commonly known as the 'tarpon'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; it is a standardized scientific term.
Connotations
Purely technical; no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “megalops” in a Sentence
The [species] enters the megalops stage.Scientists identified the specimen as a megalops.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megalops” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The megalops morphology is distinct.
- Megalops development was monitored.
American English
- The megalops morphology is distinct.
- Megalops development was monitored.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in marine biology, zoology, and fisheries science papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary context, describing a specific developmental stage in decapod crustaceans.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “megalops”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “megalops”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megalops”
- Using it as a general adjective for 'large-eyed' outside of biology.
- Pronouncing the final 'ps' as separate sounds (/p/ /s/) instead of /ps/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term used almost exclusively in marine biology and related fields.
Historically, yes. 'Megalops' was once a genus name for the tarpon fish, but in modern usage, it almost always refers to a crab larval stage.
The plural is 'megalopes' (pronounced /ˈmɛɡəˌloʊpiːz/) or, less commonly, the same as the singular 'megalops' in collective contexts.
In British English: /ˈmɛɡəlɒps/. In American English: /ˈmɛɡəˌlɑps/. The stress is on the first syllable.
A post-larval stage in the development of certain crabs, especially in the genus Callinectes, characterized by large, stalked eyes.
Megalops is usually scientific/technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MEGA-LOPS, a stage where the larva develops MEGA (large) eye-LOPS (from 'stalked eyes').
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRANSFORMATIVE PHASE (from free-swimming larva to bottom-dwelling juvenile).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'megalops' primarily used?