Crab Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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Crab

[kræb ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

seafood dish

A crab is a sea creature with a flat body, a pair of claws, and a hard shell. Crabs are known for their ability to walk sideways and their delicious meat, often used in various seafood dishes.

Synonyms

crustacean, lobster, shellfish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Crab	Refers to a common type of crustacean found along shorelines, mentioned in marine biology or culinary contexts. We spotted a crab hiding under the rocks. Crab cakes are a popular coastal dish.
crustacean	A broader term for marine animals like crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and more. Used in academic, scientific, or formal contexts. Crabs, lobsters, and shrimp are all considered crustaceans. The biology book has a detailed chapter on crustaceans.
shellfish	A general term for aquatic animals with shells, such as crabs, lobsters, oysters, etc. Used commonly in dietary or culinary contexts. Many people are allergic to shellfish. Shellfish are an important part of coastal cuisines.
lobster	Specifically used when talking about a type of large crustacean, often red when cooked, popular in gourmet dining. We had lobster for dinner at the fancy restaurant. Lobsters are often cooked by boiling them alive.

Examples of usage

Would you like to order some crab for dinner?
The restaurant is famous for its mouth-watering crab dishes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

astrology

In astrology, the Crab is the symbol for the zodiac sign Cancer. People born under the sign of the Crab are often described as nurturing, emotional, and protective.

Synonyms

astrological symbol, cancer, zodiac sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Crab	This word is best used when referring to the marine animal with a hard shell and claws. We saw a large crab at the beach today. The restaurant specializes in crab dishes.
cancer	In astrology, this word refers to one of the twelve zodiac signs represented by a crab. It can also refer to the medical term for a serious disease, so be cautious of the context. She was born under the sign of Cancer. Cancer is known for being nurturing and sensitive.
astrological symbol	This phrase is used in the context of astrology to refer to the symbolic representation of a zodiac sign. The astrological symbol for Cancer resembles a sideways '69' or two claws. She has a tattoo of her astrological symbol.

Word

Description / Examples

Crab

This word is best used when referring to the marine animal with a hard shell and claws.

We saw a large crab at the beach today.
The restaurant specializes in crab dishes.

cancer

In astrology, this word refers to one of the twelve zodiac signs represented by a crab. It can also refer to the medical term for a serious disease, so be cautious of the context.

She was born under the sign of Cancer.
Cancer is known for being nurturing and sensitive.

astrological symbol

This phrase is used in the context of astrology to refer to the symbolic representation of a zodiac sign.

The astrological symbol for Cancer resembles a sideways '69' or two claws.
She has a tattoo of her astrological symbol.

Examples of usage

She is a true Cancer, always caring for others like a loving Crab.
The Crab is one of the water signs in the zodiac.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To crab means to complain or grumble about something. It is often used informally to describe someone who is constantly finding fault or expressing dissatisfaction.

Synonyms

complain, grumble, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Crab	Used informally and often to describe someone who is habitually irritable or grumpy. It has a slightly negative connotation and is less formal. He's always crabbing about his workload. Stop crabbing and help me fix this.
complain	Used in general contexts to express dissatisfaction or annoyance. It is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal situations. She complained to the manager about the poor service. John always complains when things don't go his way.
grumble	Describes speaking angrily or complaining quietly about something. It often implies a lower level of annoyance and a continuous, low-level dissatisfaction. The workers grumbled about the new policies. He grumbled under his breath as he cleaned up the mess.
whine	Has a negative tone and often describes high-pitched, prolonged complaining, usually seen as annoying or childlike. The children whined about having to go to bed early. She always whines about her chores.

Examples of usage

Don't crab about the weather, just enjoy the day.
Stop crabbing about the little things and focus on the positive.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

Crustaceans, including crabs, have an exoskeleton, a hard outer shell that protects their body.
Their ability to walk sideways is due to their unique leg structure, making them quick and nimble on sand and ocean floors.

Culinary Usage

Crab meat is considered a delicacy in many cultures, often used in dishes like crab cakes, soups, and sushi.
Different types of crabs, such as blue and king crabs, are prized for their unique flavors and are commercially harvested.

Cultural Significance

In Chinese culture, the crab symbolizes prosperity and is a popular dish during celebrations and family gatherings.
Crabs have appeared in literature and folklore, often representing adaptability and resourcefulness in stories.

Environmental Role

Crabs play a key role in marine ecosystems, helping to recycle nutrients and providing food for predators.
They contribute to the health of coastal habitats by digging and aerating the sand and sediment.

Origin of 'Crab'

Main points about word origin

The word 'crab' comes from the Old English 'crabba', which means 'to scratch', related to how they move and their pincers.
In Latin, 'cancer' refers to both the animal and the astrological sign, showcasing the crab's cultural significance.

The word 'crab' originated from the Old English word 'crabba', which is also related to the Dutch word 'krab'. The term has been used to describe the crustacean since the 14th century. Crabs have been a significant part of seafood cuisine in various cultures around the world for centuries.