Chelae: meaning, definitions and examples

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chelae

 

[ kɪˈliː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biology

Chelae are the pincer-like claws found on the end of the legs of some arthropods, such as crabs and scorpions. These specialized limbs are used for grasping and holding prey, defending themselves, and grooming.

Synonyms

claws, pincers, tongs

Examples of usage

  • The crab used its chelae to break open the shell of a clam.
  • The scorpion's chelae are sharp and powerful, allowing it to catch its prey.

Translations

Translations of the word "chelae" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quelíceras

🇮🇳 क्लिपर

🇩🇪 Scheren

🇮🇩 capit

🇺🇦 хеліцери

🇵🇱 szczękoczułki

🇯🇵 鋏角

🇫🇷 chélicères

🇪🇸 quelíceros

🇹🇷 kıskaç

🇰🇷 집게발

🇸🇦 قَرون الفك

🇨🇿 klepítka

🇸🇰 klepietka

🇨🇳 螯肢

🇸🇮 klešče

🇮🇸 klaufar

🇰🇿 құйрық

🇬🇪 ქლიპერი

🇦🇿 qıskaç

🇲🇽 quelíceros

Etymology

The word 'chelae' comes from the Greek word 'khēlē', which means 'claw' or 'talon'. It has been used in biology to describe the specialized claws of arthropods for centuries, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman texts.