ˌbraŋkēˈäpədə noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from branchi- + -poda
1. : a subclass of crustacea comprising primitive aquatic forms typically having an elongated body, a carapace, and many pairs of foliaceous appendages and including the orders Anostraca, Notostraca, Conchostraca, and Cladocera
2. in some especially former classifications
a. : an order of Entomostraca including the Cladocera
b. : an order of Phyllopoda excluding the Cladocera
c. : phyllopoda b