1. Members of a large phylum of invertebrate animals with jointed legs, a segmented body, and an external skeleton; includes insects, spiders, crustaceans, and centipedes.
Usage: Plural form of arthropod; Scientific/biological term

Examples

• Insects, spiders, and crustaceans are all arthropods.
• Arthropods make up more than 80 percent of all known animal species.
• The exoskeleton is a key feature that distinguishes arthropods from other invertebrates.
• Many arthropods undergo metamorphosis during their life cycle.
• Arthropods are found in nearly every habitat on Earth, from deserts to oceans.
• Scientists study arthropods to understand biodiversity and ecosystem health.