chelae

/kɛli/ or /tʃiːli/ (CHEE-lee or CHEE-lee)

Definitions

1. noun

A pair of grasping appendages, especially those of a crustacean, such as a crab or lobster, used for catching and holding prey or objects.

“The crab used its powerful chelae to snap the shell shut.”

Synonyms

  • claws
  • pincers

Antonyms

  • none