Armadillidium is a term that is not commonly heard in everyday conversation. However, it is a word that is used in the field of biology and is associated with a particular type of organism. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Armadillidium, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Armadillidium is a genus of terrestrial crustaceans commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies. They are small, oval-shaped creatures that are often found in damp areas such as under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. Armadillidium are part of the family Armadillidiidae, which includes over 100 species of pill bugs.
Origin
The name Armadillidium is derived from the Latin word “armadillo,” which means “little armored one.” This name is fitting as Armadillidium have a hard exoskeleton that protects them from predators. The first recorded use of the word Armadillidium was in 1837 by the French zoologist Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of Armadillidium is consistent across different dictionaries. It is defined as a genus of terrestrial crustaceans that are commonly known as pill bugs or roly-polies. The Oxford English Dictionary describes Armadillidium as “a small, oval-shaped creature with a hard exoskeleton that is often found in damp areas.”
Associations
Armadillidium are often associated with damp environments such as under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. They are also associated with being a food source for other animals such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Armadillidium are also used in the field of biology as a model organism for studying behavior and physiology.
Synonyms
There are no synonyms for Armadillidium as it is a genus name.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for Armadillidium as it is a genus name.
The same root words
The root word of Armadillidium is “armadillo,” which means “little armored one.” Other words that share this root include armadillo, armadillosaur, and armadillomania.
Example Sentences
- Armadillidium are often found in damp areas such as under rocks and logs.
- The hard exoskeleton of Armadillidium protects them from predators.
- Armadillidium are commonly used as a model organism for studying behavior and physiology.