Chelicerae: meaning, definitions and examples

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chelicerae

 

[ kəˈlɪsəriː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The chelicerae are the mouthparts of most arachnids, including spiders, scorpions, and ticks. They are the first pair of appendages located in front of the mouth, used for grasping and injecting venom into prey.

Synonyms

fangs, jaws, pincers

Examples of usage

  • The spider used its chelicerae to catch the fly.
  • The scorpion's chelicerae are equipped with venom glands.
  • Ticks use their chelicerae to pierce the skin of their hosts.

Translations

Translations of the word "chelicerae" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quelíceros

🇮🇳 केलिसेरा

🇩🇪 Cheliceren

🇮🇩 chelicera

🇺🇦 хеліцера

🇵🇱 chelicery

🇯🇵 ケリセラ

🇫🇷 chélicères

🇪🇸 quelíceros

🇹🇷 keliser

🇰🇷 켈리세라

🇸🇦 كليسر

🇨🇿 chelicery

🇸🇰 chelicery

🇨🇳 螯肢

🇸🇮 kelicere

🇮🇸 keli

🇰🇿 келицера

🇬🇪 ხელიცერა

🇦🇿 kelisera

🇲🇽 quelíceros

Word origin

The word 'chelicerae' originated from the Greek word 'khēlē' which means 'claw' or 'talon'. It was first used in the early 19th century to describe the mouthparts of arachnids. The chelicerae play a crucial role in the feeding and defense mechanisms of these arthropods.