Chelae: meaning, definitions and examples
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chelae
[ kɪˈliː ]
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
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
Word origin
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.