n. [ NL. See Octopod. ] 1. (Zool.) A genus of eight-armed cephalopods, including numerous species, some of them of large size. See Devilfish. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) Any member of the genus Octopus. [ PJC ]

3. (Fig.) 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. [ PJC ]