Definition

Noun: 1. A large, edible marine crustacean of the family Nephropidae, characterized by having large, prominent pincers (claws) on the first pair of legs. This term distinguishes these lobsters from other crustaceans commonly called "lobsters," such as spiny lobsters or squat lobsters, which do not have such large claws.

Usage

The term "true lobster" is used in biological, culinary, and commercial contexts to specify the classic clawed lobster. * In biology, it refers to species within the family Nephropidae. * In culinary and fishing contexts, it distinguishes the highly prized clawed lobsters (e.g., American lobster, European lobster) from other types.

Examples

• The true lobster, like the American lobster (), is prized for its sweet claw and tail meat.
• Unlike the spiny lobster, a true lobster has two large, crushing claws.
• The fisherman's catch consisted mainly of true lobsters, which fetch a higher market price.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in comparative zoology to highlight the defining morphological feature (the large first pair of pincers) that distinguishes this taxon.
• In seafood labeling and trade, using "true lobster" can provide specificity, though "lobster" alone typically implies the clawed variety in many markets.

Variants and Related Words

• Lobster (noun): The more common general term. In everyday usage, "lobster" often means "true lobster," but scientifically it can be ambiguous.
• Clawed lobster (noun): A near-synonym that explicitly describes the key feature.
• Nephropid (noun/adjective): The technical biological term pertaining to the family Nephropidae (true lobsters).

Synonyms

• Clawed lobster
• Nephropid lobster

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Spiny lobster (noun): A family of clawless, warm-water lobsters (Palinuridae) with long, spiny antennae.
• Slipper lobster (noun): A family of flattened, clawless lobsters (Scyllaridae).
• Squat lobster (noun): Crustaceans that resemble small lobsters but belong to different families (e.g., Galatheidae).

Noun

1. large edible marine crustaceans having large pincers on the first pair of legs