— shrimplike , adj.
/shrimp/ , n. , pl. shrimps , ( esp. collectively ) shrimp for 1, v. , adj.
n.
1. any of several small, long-tailed, chiefly marine crustaceans of the decapod suborder Natania, certain species of which are used as food.
2. Informal. a diminutive or insignificant person.
v.i.
3. to catch or try to catch shrimps.
adj.
4. (of food) made with or containing shrimp: shrimp salad.
5. of or pertaining to shrimp or their catching, processing, and marketing: a shrimp boat.
[ 1300-50; ME shrimpe crustacean, puny person; akin to MHG schrimpfen to contract, OE scrimman to shrink ]