Definition

1. Noun:
   • A grasping claw or pincer: In zoology, a "chela" is the specialized claw or pincer found on the limb of certain arthropods, such as crabs, lobsters, and scorpions, used for grasping and defense.
   • A disciple or student: In Hinduism, a "chela" refers to a dedicated disciple or pupil of a spiritual teacher, known as a guru or swami.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Zoological):

  • The crab raised its powerful chela in a defensive posture.
  • The lobster's chela is strong enough to crack open shells.

• Noun (Spiritual):

  • The swami accepted the young man as his chela.
  • As a chela, her duty was to serve and learn from her guru.

Advanced Usage

• "Chelate" (adj/verb): In chemistry, this related term describes a compound or process involving claw-like bonding, derived from the structure of a chela.
  • The molecule forms a chelate ring with the metal ion.

Variants and Related Words

• Chelae (n): The plural form of "chela."
  • The scorpion's chelae are used to capture prey.
• Cheliped (n): In crustaceans, the entire limb that bears the chela.
  • The crab's cheliped was regenerating after being lost.

Synonyms

• Claw: A curved, pointed nail or pincer (for the zoological sense).
• Pincer: A gripping tool or part resembling a claw.
• Disciple: A follower or student of a teacher (for the spiritual sense).
• Pupil: A person who is taught by another.

Related Phrases

• To have a powerful chela: An expression describing an arthropod with a strong grasping claw.
  • That species of crab is known to have a remarkably powerful chela.

Noun

1. a grasping structure on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods
2. a Hindu disciple of a swami