Background for octopus

octopus

/ˈɒk.tə.pəs/ /ˈɑːk.tə.pəs/

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noun

Any of several marine molluscs of the family Octopodidae, having no internal or external protective shell or bone (unlike the nautilus, squid and cuttlefish) and eight arms each covered with suckers.

Examples :

"The aquarium displayed a curious octopus, its eight arms reaching out to explore the tank. "

animal biology ocean nature fish

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noun

The flesh of these marine molluscs eaten as food.

Examples :

"My grandmother enjoys octopus, a delicacy she often orders at seafood restaurants. "

food animal ocean

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noun

An organization that has many powerful branches controlled from the centre.

Examples :

"The large corporation operated like an octopus, with its central headquarters tightly controlling numerous subsidiary companies in different industries. "

organization business politics government structure system

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verb

To put (or attempt to put) one's fingers, hands or arms in many things or places at roughly the same time.

Examples :

"The toddler tried to octopus the toys in the store, grabbing at the teddy bear, the race car, and the bouncy ball all at once. "

action body human

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verb

To spread out in long arms or legs in many directions.

Examples :

"The toddler octopussed their toys across the floor, scattering them in all directions. "

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verb

To plug a large number of devices into a single electric outlet.

Examples :

"To prepare for the school dance, Maria octopussed all the decorations, lights, and music equipment into one outlet. "

electronics technology electric device

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verb

(by extension) To grow in use vastly beyond what was originally intended.

Examples :

"The project, initially designed for a single class, quickly octopused into a school-wide initiative involving every grade level. "

business technology economy organization

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verb

To hunt and catch octopuses.

Examples :

"Some fishermen octopus off the coast of Sicily. "

animal food ocean job fish nautical

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verb

To behave like an octopus.

Examples :

"The student octopussed around the library, flitting from book to book, trying to find the perfect resource for his essay. "