spider crab: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Biological, but also used in general descriptive and culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “spider crab” mean?
A marine crustacean with long, spindly legs and a compact central body, resembling a spider.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A marine crustacean with long, spindly legs and a compact central body, resembling a spider.
A descriptor for crabs of the family Majidae (or sometimes Inachidae), often found in various oceans and known for their camouflage, such as decorating their shells with algae or sponges. Also used metaphorically to describe something with long, thin, angular projections.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; both use 'spider crab'. Spelling is consistent. Some regional species names may differ.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a distinctive, often large, long-legged crab. Culinary use might be more specific to regions where they are harvested.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation in both regions; higher frequency in coastal regions, biological texts, fishing, and seafood contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spider crab” in a Sentence
The spider crab [VERB] seaweed onto its shell.We saw a spider crab [VERB-ing] along the reef.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spider crab” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The robot had a spider-crab-like gait.
American English
- The contraption moved with a spider-crab motion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of fisheries, seafood export, or aquarium trade.
Academic
Common in marine biology, zoology, and ecology papers discussing crustacean morphology or behaviour.
Everyday
Used when describing a seen creature at an aquarium, beach, or in a documentary; also in culinary contexts.
Technical
Precise taxonomic identification in field guides and scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spider crab”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spider crab”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spider crab”
- Incorrect plural: 'spiders crab' (correct: spider crabs).
- Misspelling as 'spyder crab'.
- Confusing it with a 'horseshoe crab', which is not a true crab.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally not; they are not aggressive and their claws, while sometimes large, are not designed for powerful crushing. However, they can pinch if handled.
Yes, some species are harvested for food, particularly in parts of Europe and Asia. The meat is often considered a delicacy.
The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is the largest, with a leg span that can reach up to 3.7 meters (12 feet).
For camouflage and protection. They attach algae, sponges, and other debris to hooked hairs on their shells to blend into their surroundings and avoid predators.
A marine crustacean with long, spindly legs and a compact central body, resembling a spider.
Spider crab is usually technical/biological, but also used in general descriptive and culinary contexts. in register.
Spider crab: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdə kræb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdər kræb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SPIDER wearing a CRAB's shell, with its eight long, thin legs sticking out awkwardly. SPIDER for the legs, CRAB for the body.
Conceptual Metaphor
LONG, THIN, AND ANGULAR IS SPIDERY (used to describe machinery, limbs, or structures that have spindly projections).
Practice
Quiz
Which feature is most characteristic of a spider crab?