Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small edible crab of the Pacific coast of North America: This refers to a specific species of crab (Metacarcinus magister, formerly Cancer magister) found along the Pacific coast, known for its sweet, delicate flesh.
   • The flesh of the Dungeness crab: This refers to the meat harvested from this crab, considered a culinary delicacy.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (the animal):
  • We went to the pier to see the fishermen unload their catch of Dungeness crab.
  • The Dungeness crab is easily identified by its wide, oval-shaped shell.
• Noun (the food):
  • For dinner, we had a whole steamed Dungeness crab with drawn butter.
  • The salad was topped with fresh Dungeness crab meat.

Advanced Usage

• "Dungeness crab season": Refers to the legally permitted time of year when fishing for this crab is allowed.
  • The opening of Dungeness crab season is a major event for coastal communities.
• "Dungeness crab fishery": Refers to the industry and practice of catching this crab.
  • Sustainable management is crucial for the long-term health of the Dungeness crab fishery.

Variants and Related Words

• Crab (n): The general category of crustaceans to which the Dungeness crab belongs.
  • Other popular crabs include the blue crab and the king crab.
• Shellfish (n): A broad category of aquatic animals with shells, including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
  • Dungeness crab is a prized type of shellfish.

Synonyms

• Cancer magister (n): The former scientific name for the Dungeness crab.
• Pacific crab (n): A general descriptive term, though less specific.

Related Phrases

• To crab for Dungeness: To fish specifically for Dungeness crabs.
  • The boats go out early in the morning to crab for Dungeness.
• Dungeness crab pot: A type of trap used to catch these crabs.
  • They checked their Dungeness crab pots at dawn.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms specifically featuring "Dungeness crab." It is primarily a technical/culinary term.)

Noun

1. small edible crab of Pacific coast of North America
2. flesh of Cancer magister (Dungeness crab)