Asked by: Bieito Donas
Asked in category: hobbies and interests, stamps and coins
Last Updated: 12th Sep 2024

Is Octopus Greek or Latin?

Octopus does not refer to a Latin word of second declension. It is a Latinized version of the Greek word Oktopous. plural would be octopodes.



Also, do you know if the octopus is Greek or Latin?

USAGE Octopuses is the English plural for octopus. A$?k'tA$?p?? dez|). The modern usage of octopodes in modern times is so rare that many people create the incorrect plural form octopi. This was based on rules for Latin plurals.

Where did the name octopus originate? aOctopusa combines ancient Greek terms that mean aeighta, (okto), and afooteda, (pous). It would have been oktopous if the word existed in ancient Greek.

So, Octopus is a Latin word.

Octopus is more than a Latin word of second declension. It's a Latinized version of the Greek word oktopous. The plural would logically then be octopodes. Other words ending with -us display a different pattern.

What is the plural for octopus?

We'd choose "octopuses", which is a valid plural in English and the oldest attested. Although "Octopi", which is a widely used plural, is acceptable, you may be informed that it's not correct. Although it may seem like -i is a Latin plural and "octopus", the Greek word for "octopus", can be misunderstood by well-meaning people.