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Pincer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pincer

[หˆpษชnsษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cooking

A kitchen utensil shaped like a pair of tongs, used for gripping and lifting food.

Synonyms

kitchen tongs, tongs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tongs

Tongs is a more general term and can be used to refer to any tool used for gripping and lifting, including kitchen tongs and other types of tongs used for various purposes.

  • The mechanic picked up the hot metal piece with tongs.
  • She used tongs to place the breadsticks on the plate.
kitchen tongs

Kitchen tongs are used for handling food items in cooking or serving, such as turning meat on the grill, mixing salads, or serving pasta.

  • She used the kitchen tongs to turn the steak on the grill.
  • He served the salad using the kitchen tongs.

Examples of usage

  • The chef used a pincer to carefully place the garnish on top of the dish.
  • She picked up the hot potato with the pincer to transfer it to the serving plate.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

A grasping organ or limb of an arthropod or other invertebrate animal.

Synonyms

chela, claw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pincer

Similar to the first entry, although it's important to distinguish usage based on context here. Often sharpening focus on the grasping nature.

  • Be careful, that beetle has a very strong pincer.
  • During the repair, I needed a fine pincer to hold the tiny pieces.
claw

General term that can describe the curved, pointed appendage of a variety of animals, not limited to crustaceans. Commonly used in everyday language.

  • The cat retracted its claw after a playful swipe.
  • The eagleโ€™s claw dug into the branch as it landed.
chela

Typically applied in scientific or biological contexts when discussing the claw of certain crustaceans or arachnids.

  • The researcher noted that the chela of the lobster was significantly larger on one side.
  • We observed the movements of the scorpionโ€™s chela under the microscope.

Examples of usage

  • The crab's pincers were strong enough to break open the shell of a clam.
  • The scorpion raised its pincers defensively when approached.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Many species of crabs and insects have pincers that help them catch food and defend against predators.
  • Pincers can vary greatly in size and function, from the delicate pinchers of a praying mantis to the powerful claws of a lobster.
  • In the animal kingdom, pincers may also play an important role in mating rituals, with some males using them to attract females.

Technology

  • Pincers are used in tools such as pliers, designed for gripping and bending materials in carpentry and metalwork.
  • Robotic pincers mimic animal pincers to pick up objects, showcasing an intersection of biology and technology.
  • In medicine, surgical pincers are crucial for holding tissue during operations, highlighting their importance in human health.

Cultural References

  • In cinema, pincers often symbolize danger, as seen in horror films where characters encounter large, clawed creatures.
  • Certain folklore includes mystical creatures with pincers, representing both protection and danger in human stories.
  • Pincers have influenced various artworks, depicting both their beauty and menace in nature.

Psychology

  • The gripping action of pincers can symbolize control or power dynamics in human interactions, often seen in interpersonal conflicts.
  • Studies suggest that objects with pincers may trigger both fascination and fear, combining elements of attraction and repulsion.
  • Metaphorically, the term โ€˜pincer movementโ€™ is used in strategy discussions, illustrating a tactic that surrounds or traps the opponent.

Origin of 'pincer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the French 'pince', meaning 'to pinch', reflecting its function of grasping.
  • It has connections to Latin, with 'pincere' meaning 'to press', illustrating its purpose in both tools and nature.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, demonstrating its long-standing presence in language.

The word 'pincer' originated from the Old French word 'pince,' meaning 'pincer, clamp, or pair of tongs.' It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a grasping tool or organ. The term has evolved to encompass various contexts, from kitchen utensils to biological structures in animals.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,641 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.