Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large marine arthropod of the Atlantic coast of North America: This refers to the horseshoe crab, characterized by a domed, horseshoe-shaped carapace and a stiff pointed tail. It is considered a living fossil.
   • A large edible crab of the northern Pacific: This refers to the Alaskan king crab, a species found especially along the coasts of Alaska and Japan, prized for its meat.
   • A large spider crab of Europe: This refers to a species of crab found in European waters.
   • The meat of a large cold-water crab: This refers specifically to the food product, primarily the leg meat, from crabs such as the Alaskan king crab.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Marine Arthropod):
  • We saw a king crab washed up on the beach; its horseshoe-shaped shell was fascinating.
• Noun (Edible Crab):
  • The fishermen hauled in a catch of king crab from the icy Alaskan waters.
• Noun (Meat):
  • For dinner, we ordered a plate of steamed king crab with melted butter.

Advanced Usage

• In a biological/ecological context: The term can specify a particular species within a discussion of marine biology.
  • The Atlantic king crab, Limulus polyphemus, is more closely related to spiders than to true crabs.
• In a culinary/commercial context: The term often refers specifically to the product in the seafood industry.
  • The price of king crab legs has increased this season due to lower quotas.

Variants and Related Words

• Horseshoe crab: A more common name for the species referred to in the first definition.
• Alaskan king crab: A specific term for the commercially important Pacific species.
• Spider crab: A general term for crabs with long legs, relating to the European species mentioned.

Synonyms

• For the marine arthropod: Horseshoe crab.
• For the edible crab: Alaskan king crab, red king crab (for the species ).
• For the meat: Crab meat, crab legs.

Related Phrases

• King crab fishery: The industry and activity of catching king crabs.
  • The king crab fishery is a vital part of Alaska's economy.
• King crab legs: The specific part of the crab commonly consumed.
  • The supermarket is selling frozen king crab legs.

Notes on Meaning

The word "king crab" has distinct meanings in different regions and contexts. In North America, it most commonly refers to the large, edible crabs of the Pacific (Alaskan king crab) or, in a scientific context, the Atlantic horseshoe crab. In Europe, it may refer to a type of spider crab. The meaning is usually clear from the context (e.g., a menu vs. a marine biology textbook).

Noun

1. large marine arthropod of the Atlantic coast of North America having a domed carapace that is shaped like a horseshoe and a stiff pointed tail; a living fossil related to the wood louse
2. large edible crab of northern Pacific waters especially along the coasts of Alaska and Japan
3. a large spider crab of Europe
4. meat of large cold-water crab; mainly leg meat