chela

Definition

A pincer-like claw of a crustacean or arachnid.

Etymology

From Latin chele, from Ancient Greek χηλή (khēlḗ).

Example Sentences

• "It happeneth often, I confess, that a lobster hath the chely or great claw of one side longer than the other […]"
• "The tail is curved up over the body and the pedipalps held forwards with the tip of the movable finger of the chela in contact with the sand."
• "The two brushes on each chela snap open into semicircular fans, forming fine-mesh baskets that passively filter water."