1. the posterior body region of a crustacean, consisting of the abdomen and its appendages
Usage: zoology; technical

Examples

• The pleon of the lobster contains the swimmerets and the tail fan.
• In crustacean anatomy, the pleon is distinct from the cephalothorax.
• The shrimp's pleon flexes to propel it backward through the water.
• Researchers examined the pleon segments to classify the species.
• The pleon of a crab is folded underneath its body.