WordLens

crab

1 of 2noun
/kræb/
Forms:crabs
1

a sea creature with eight legs, two pincers, and a hard shell, which is able to live on land

C1Learn more on Wikipedia

A crab is a crustacean characterized by its hard exoskeleton and sideways-walking movement. It has a wide and flattened body with a pair of pincers and multiple legs. The crab is typically found in coastal areas and can vary in size, color, and shape depending on the species. It is well-adapted to its marine or terrestrial environment and plays an important ecological role as a scavenger and predator. The crab is known for its ability to regenerate lost limbs and is widely recognized as a delicious seafood enjoyed by many cultures around the world.

  • The crab scuttled sideways along the sandy shore, its claws raised in a defensive posture.
  • With a flick of its pincers, the crab snapped up a tasty morsel washed ashore by the tide.
  • As the waves receded, the crab emerged from its sandy burrow, eager to forage for food along the shoreline.
  • The children laughed with delight as they chased crabs along the beach, their buckets filling with scuttling creatures.
  • The fisherman baited his trap with succulent morsels, hoping to lure crabs into his waiting nets.
2

the meat of a crab that can be eaten

B1Learn more on Wikipedia

Crab, the meat extracted from various species of crabs, is prized for its sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. The meat is typically found in the claws, legs, and body of the crab and can vary in color from white to brown depending on the species. Crab meat is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous culinary preparations, including crab cakes, crab salads, crab dips, soups, and sushi rolls. Whether served steamed, boiled, grilled, or sautéed, crab meat is celebrated for its exquisite taste and is often considered a highlight of seafood cuisine.

  • She prepared a delightful crab salad, combining chunks of sweet crab meat with crisp vegetables.
  • The seafood buffet offered a selection of crab dishes, from crab legs to crab salad.
  • He enjoyed a platter of chilled crab, served with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
  • He cooked a simple pasta dish with fresh crab, tossed in a garlic and herb butter sauce.
  • She savored the delicate flavor of crab, enjoying its sweet and tender meat.
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3

a stroke of the oar in which the blade either misses the water or digs too deeply, often causing a loss of control

  • He caught a crab during the final sprint and lost the race.
  • Beginners often struggle to avoid crabs while learning to row.
  • A crab can capsize the boat if severe enough.
  • The coach explained how to recover from a crab.
  • Rowers laughed at the small crab that flipped the oar.
4

an irritable or grumpy person

  • Don't be such a crab; lighten up!
  • Grandpa is a lovable old crab despite his complaints.
  • She's a crab when she hasn't had her morning coffee.
  • The teacher called the student a crab for constant arguing.
  • Being a crab won't solve your problems.
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