chelae

A crab uses its chelae to pick up a small shell.

Definition

Noun (plural of chela): - A pincer-like claw: "Chelae" refers to the paired, grasping appendages found on arthropods such as crabs, lobsters, and scorpions, used for capturing prey, defense, or manipulation. - Example: The crab's large chelae are used to crush shells. - A specialized structure in crustaceans and arachnids: In biological terms, chelae are the terminal segments of certain limbs that form a pincer, typically composed of a fixed finger and a movable finger.

Usage Examples

• (The scorpion lifted its pincer-like claws as a warning.)
• (Scientists examined the crab's grasping claws.)
• (The claws differ in size and function.)

Advanced Usage

• "Chelae" as a taxonomic feature: In zoology, the shape and size of chelae are often used to identify species, especially in crabs and lobsters.
  • The chelae of the fiddler crab are markedly disproportionate in males. (The male crab has one claw much larger than the other.)
• "Chela" (singular): The word "chela" (plural: chelae) is derived from Greek meaning "claw."
  • Each chela consists of a dactyl (movable finger) and a propodus (fixed finger). (Each claw has two parts.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chela (n, singular): one pincer-like claw.
  • The lobster lost one chela in a fight. (The lobster lost one claw.)
• Chelate (adj): having chelae; also used in chemistry for a type of bonding.
  • The chelate appendage of the crab is highly mobile. (The claw-like structure is flexible.)
• Cheliped (n): a leg that ends in a chela, common in crustaceans.
  • The crab's chelipeds are used for feeding and defense. (The claw-bearing legs.)

Synonyms

• Claw: a general term for a curved, pointed appendage, but "chela" specifically implies a pincer shape.
• Pincer: a grasping structure with two opposing parts, similar to chelae.
• Nippers: informal term for small pincers, especially in crabs.

Related Idioms

• • "To get one's claws into": to gain control over someone or something.

    • The corporation got its claws into the small business. (The company took control.)
  • "To have a pincer grasp": to hold something tightly, like a chela.

    • He had a pincer grasp on the situation. (He had firm control.)

Phrasal Verbs