Definition

Noun: 1. A species of lobster: A large marine crustacean (Homarus americanus) native to the Atlantic coast of North America, characterized by its large, powerful claws. 2. The edible flesh of this lobster: The meat, especially from the large claws and tail, of the Homarus americanus, known for its tenderness and sweet flavor.

Usage Examples

• As a species:
  • The Maine lobster is easily distinguished from the spiny lobster by its two large claws.
  • Commercial fishing for Maine lobster is a vital industry in New England.
• As food:
  • For dinner, we steamed a fresh Maine lobster and served it with drawn butter.
  • The restaurant is famous for its Maine lobster roll, filled with fresh, chilled lobster meat.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in culinary and commercial contexts to denote premium quality and origin, distinguishing it from other lobster species like the European lobster () or warm-water spiny lobsters (family Palinuridae), which do not have large claws.

Variants and Related Words

• American lobster: A common synonym for the species .
• Northern lobster: Another name for this species, referencing its geographic range.
• Lobster (noun): The general term for various large marine crustaceans. "Maine lobster" is a specific type of true lobster.

Synonyms

• American lobster
• Northern lobster
• Homarus americanus (scientific name)

Related Phrases

• Lobster pot: A trap used to catch lobsters.
  • The fisherman checked his lobster pots at dawn.
• Lobster tail: A specific cut of meat from the lobster's abdomen.
  • The menu offers both whole Maine lobster and lobster tail.
• Hard-shell lobster: A Maine lobster with a hard, new shell, typically with fuller meat.
  • A hard-shell lobster is often preferred for steaming.

Noun

1. lobster of Atlantic coast of America
2. flesh of cold-water lobsters having large tender claws; caught from Maine to the Carolinas