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

1. large edible marine crustacean having a spiny carapace but lacking the large pincers of true lobsters
2. warm-water lobsters without claws; those from Australia and South Africa usually marketed as frozen tails; caught also in Florida and California