‖ megalops Zool.
(ˈmɛgəlɒps)
[mod.L. megalōps, altered form of megalopa; cf. L. Cyclōps, Gr. κύκλωψ.]
1. Originally, the name of a supposed genus of crustaceans (characterized by eyes of enormous size), now known to represent merely a particular stage in the development of crabs. Now retained as a descriptive term for a crab in this ‘large-eyed’ stage of development.
| 1855 W. S. Dallas in Syst. Nat. Hist. I. 312 In this form the young animals have received the name of Megalops. 1896 Kirkaldy & Pollard tr. Boas' Text Bk. Zool. 226 There is no mysis-stage, but the young one passes through a prawn-stage (the so-called megalops). |
2. The typical genus of the sub-family Megalopinæ of the family Elopidæ of clupeoid fishes.
| 1840 Cuvier's Anim. Kingd. 321. 1880 Günther Fishes 661. |