cypridæ, cyprididæ

pl. [Mod. Lat. cypr( is ) (q. v.), gen it. cyprid is, and fem. pl. adj. suff.- idæ. 1. Zool .: A family of Entomostracous Mollusks, order Ostracod a. They move the antenne with great rapidity, thus converting them into swimming organs. They reside entirely within a bivalve shell, which, unlike the Conchiferous Mollusks, they cast annually. Type, Cypris (q. v.). 2. Palæont.: The family extends from the Carboniferous period till now, its maximum development seeming to be at the present time. Individuals belonging to single species abound in the freshwater limestone of Burdie House (Lower Carbon iferous), in the insect limestone (Lias), in the Wealden strata, and in the marls of Auvergne, the last-named of Eocene age.