crab — A crustacean with a broad flat body and pincers
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A crustacean with a broad flat body and pincers
Pronunciation (IPA): /kræb/
Example Sentences
- The crab scuttled sideways across the sand like it was doing the moonwalk.
- My grandfather always crabs about how expensive everything is these days.
- The restaurant's specialty is soft-shell crab tempura.
crab
NOUN[/kræb/]
A crustacean with a broad flat body and pincers
A crustacean with a broad flat body and pincers
The crab in the lab decides to grab!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'crabba', which refers to the crustacean. The sense of 'bad-tempered' or 'irritable' developed metaphorically from the crab's characteristic sideways movement and pinching behaviour.
Breakdown
Old English 'crabba' (the animal) → Middle English 'crab' (with figurative extension to describe a crabbed or sour disposition).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The crab scuttled sideways across the sand like it was doing the moonwalk.”
“My grandfather always crabs about how expensive everything is these days.”
“The restaurant's specialty is soft-shell crab tempura.”
“She walked like a crab to avoid stepping on the broken glass.”
📚Related Words
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