octopus

Any of various carnivorous marine cephalopod mollusks chiefly of the family Octopodidae, having a soft body, eight arms with suckers, a large distinct head, and a mouth with a strong beak.

Something, such as a multinational corporation, that has many powerful, centrally controlled branches.

The typical genus of Octopodidæ and Octopoda.

[lowercase; pl. octopi (-pī).] A species or an individual of the genus Octopus; an octopod; a poulpe; a devilfish. See also cut under cuttlefish.

Hence Figuratively, any centralized organization which has many branches and secret connections, and thereby maintains an oppressive hold upon the public.

A genus of eight-armed cephalopods, including numerous species, some of them of large size. See devilfish.

Any member of the genus Octopus.

Something resembling an octopus in having numerous controlling arms or branches that reach widely and influence many activities; — used mostly of organizations, such as diversified corporations.

Any of several marine molluscs/mollusks, of the family Octopodidae, having no internal or external protective shell or bone (unlike the nautilus, squid or cuttlefish) and eight arms each covered with suckers.

The flesh of these marine molluscs eaten as food.