arthropod /är″thrəpod′/ [Gk, arthron + pous, foot] , a member of the Arthropoda, a large phylum of animal life that includes crabs and lobsters as well as mites, ticks, spiders, and insects. Arthropods generally are distinguished by a jointed exoskeleton (shell) and paired, jointed legs. They bite, sting, cause allergic reactions, and may serve as vectors for viruses and other disease-causing agents.
