1. one of the paired appendages near the mouth of crustaceans that are modified for feeding
Usage: zoology

Examples

• The crab used its maxillipeds to manipulate food before eating.
• Scientists examined the maxillipeds under a microscope to identify the species.
• The lobster’s maxillipeds help sort and process food particles.
• Each maxilliped has specialized structures for different feeding functions.
• The researcher counted the segments on the maxilliped for classification purposes.