Definition of "octopus" []

• Any of numerous carnivorous marine mollusks of the genus Octopus or related genera, found worldwide. The octopus has a rounded soft body, eight tentacles with each bearing two rows of suckers, a large distinct head, and a strong beaklike mouth. Also called devilfish. (noun)
• Something, such as a multinational corporation, that has many powerful, centrally controlled branches. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "[47] The cuttlefish, or octopus (_Sepia octopus_)."
• "But the lifespan of the common octopus is only 3 years"
• "But the lifespan of the common octopus is only 3 years and tickets to Germany are out of my price range at the present time"