soft-shell crab
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. An edible crab that has recently molted and has not yet formed its new, hard shell: This term refers specifically to the stage in a crab's life cycle after it has shed its old exoskeleton. During this period, the new shell is still soft, tender, and flexible, making the entire crab edible. 2. A culinary dish featuring such a crab: The term also denotes the crab prepared and served as food during this soft-shelled state, often cooked whole.
Usage Examples
- As a type of crab:
- The fisherman carefully collected the soft-shell crab from the trap, knowing it was a delicacy.
- During the molting season, you can find soft-shell crabs in the shallow waters.
- As a dish:
- For dinner, I ordered a soft-shell crab sandwich with coleslaw.
- The restaurant's specialty is fried soft-shell crab served with a lemon aioli.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in a culinary context to specify a preparation style. It is typically not used metaphorically.
- "In soft shell": This phrase can describe the crab's condition.
- The blue crabs are in soft shell for only a few hours after molting.
Variants and Related Words
- Soft-shell (adjective): Used to describe the crab or other crustaceans in this state.
- We are harvesting soft-shell crabs this week.
- Peeler crab: Another term, especially for blue crabs, that are about to molt.
- Shedder crab: A regional synonym for a crab that is molting or has recently molted.
- Hard-shell crab: The opposite state, where the crab has a fully formed, hard exoskeleton.
Synonyms
- Molt crab: (Less common) A crab that has recently molted.
- Paper-shell crab: (Regional) Highlights the thin, pliable quality of the new shell.
Related Phrases
- To be soft-shelled: The adjectival phrase describing the state.
- These crabs are soft-shelled and perfect for frying whole.
Noun
- edible crab that has recently molted and not yet formed its new shell
- freshly molted crab with new shell still tender and flexible