What does chelae mean?
"Chelae" is the plural of "chela", the zoological term for the pincer-like claws found on crabs, lobsters, crayfish, scorpions, and certain other arthropods. Each chela consists of two opposed segments that open and close like forceps, allowing the animal to grasp food, crush prey, dig burrows, or fend off rivals. In many species the two chelae are strikingly asymmetrical — the fiddler crab's enormously enlarged signaling claw being a famous example — and biologists often describe their size, shape, and musculature when distinguishing species. The word derives from the Greek "khēlē", meaning claw or hoof, and appears chiefly in scientific writing on crustaceans and arachnids rather than in casual conversation. Though specialized, it is the standard precise term whenever these gripping appendages are under discussion, lending accuracy to descriptions of feeding, combat, and display behavior across a wide range of animals.
noun (plural)The plural of "chela": the large pincer-like claws of crabs, lobsters, scorpions, and other arthropods, typically used for grasping, crushing, or defense.
- The pair of pincer-like front claws of a crab, lobster, or other decapod crustacean, used for grasping and crushing.
- By extension, the claw-like pincers of other arthropods, such as scorpions' pedipalps.
"The crab raised its chelae in a defensive posture as the gull swooped low over the sand."
"The lobster's chelae are markedly unequal: one stout crusher for shells, one slender cutter for tearing flesh."
"Under the microscope, the scorpion's chelae revealed rows of sensory hairs along their inner edges."
"Chelae" is itself already a plural form; its singular is "chela". Do not add an additional plural ending.
"Both chelae were damaged, leaving the crab unable to crack open its prey."
A crab's chelae can be so precisely matched to its task that fiddler crabs grow one massive claw just for waving at rivals — and it's all thanks to a word the ancient Greeks gave us for 'claw'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chelae
The word comes from the ancient Greek "khēlē" (χήλη), meaning claw, hoof, or talon, which was adopted into New Latin as "chela" for use in zoological taxonomy. English usage dates from around the mid-nineteenth century, when naturalists formalizing crustacean anatomy needed a precise term for the pincer-bearing appendages. It shares this Greek root with "chelicera", the fang-like mouthparts of spiders and other chelicerates, whose very name encodes the same claw idea.
Related word forms
How chelae is actually used
Strictly a technical term used in zoology, marine biology, and entomology; rare in everyday speech. Always plural in form — the singular is "chela". Pronunciation varies between /ˈkiːliː/ and /ˈkiːleɪ/, reflecting different conventions for Latinized Greek plurals.
Easily confused with chelae
"Cheleae" is not an established English word and any occurrence is simply a misspelling of "chelae", the claws of crustaceans and other arthropods.
"Chela" is the singular form denoting one claw, while "chelae" is its plural; note also that "chela" has an unrelated meaning as a Hindu religious disciple.