king-crab

A king-crab crawls slowly across the sandy ocean floor.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large marine arthropod: "king-crab" refers to a large, primitive marine arthropod of the order Xiphosura, especially Limulus polyphemus, found along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has a hard, horseshoe-shaped shell and a long, pointed tail.
   • A type of spider crab: In some contexts, "king-crab" can also refer to a large edible crab of the family Lithodidae, such as the Alaskan king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus), known for its long legs and prized meat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The king-crab crawled slowly across the sandy ocean floor. (Referring to the horseshoe crab, a marine arthropod.)
  • We ordered Alaskan king-crab legs for dinner at the seafood restaurant. (Referring to the edible spider crab.)

Advanced Usage

• "king-crab as a living fossil": The horseshoe crab is often called a "living fossil" because its body shape has remained almost unchanged for millions of years.
  • Scientists study the king-crab to learn about ancient marine life. (Using the term to describe the horseshoe crab's evolutionary significance.)

Variants and Related Words

• King crab (n): a common alternate spelling, often used for the edible Alaskan species.

  • The king crab is a popular delicacy in many coastal regions. (Referring to the edible crab.)

• Horseshoe crab (n): a synonym for the marine arthropod, emphasizing its shape.

  • The horseshoe crab is not a true crab but a chelicerate. (Clarifying its biological classification.)

Synonyms

• Horseshoe crab: the most common synonym for the marine arthropod.
• Alaskan king crab: a specific synonym for the edible spider crab.
• Limulus: the scientific genus name for the horseshoe crab.

Related Idioms

• "To be as patient as a king-crab": an informal expression meaning to wait very still and silently for a long time, like a crab waiting for prey.
  • He sat in the corner as patient as a king-crab, watching the game unfold. (Used to describe extreme patience.)