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

1. edible crab that has recently molted and not yet formed its new shell
2. freshly molted crab with new shell still tender and flexible