spiny lobster
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A large, edible marine crustacean characterized by a hard, spiny shell (carapace) and long, thick antennae, but lacking the large claws (chelae) of true lobsters. It is also known as a rock lobster or langouste. 2. The meat from this crustacean, considered a seafood delicacy.
Usage and Examples
- As a noun (the animal):
- The diver observed a spiny lobster hiding in the coral reef.
- Unlike the American lobster, the spiny lobster does not have large crushing claws.
- As a noun (the food):
- For dinner, we grilled spiny lobster tails with butter and lemon.
- The menu featured spiny lobster as the chef's special.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- Spiny lobsters are typically found in warm, tropical, and subtropical waters around the world.
- They are a commercially important species. Different regional varieties, such as those from Australia, South Africa, Florida, and California, are significant to the fishing industry.
- In the market, their tails are often sold frozen.
Variants and Related Words
- Rock lobster: A common synonym for spiny lobster.
- Langouste: The French term often used in culinary contexts.
- Crayfish (in some regions): In Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the term "crayfish" often refers to a spiny lobster, which can cause confusion with the smaller, freshwater crustacean known as a crayfish in other parts of the world.
Synonyms
- Rock lobster
- Langouste
- Sea crayfish (regional)
Related Terms (Contextual)
- Crustacean: The broader biological category (e.g., crabs, shrimp, lobsters).
- Carapace: The hard, protective upper shell.
- Antennae: The long, sensory appendages on the head.
- Tail: The fleshy, muscular part of the abdomen that is the primary source of meat.
Noun
- large edible marine crustacean having a spiny carapace but lacking the large pincers of true lobsters
- warm-water lobsters without claws; those from Australia and South Africa usually marketed as frozen tails; caught also in Florida and California