noun
pincer
A claw with opposing parts that close together to grip something.
The crab closes its pincer around a piece of food.
Etymology
The source verb means to pinch. A pincer claw performs that action by bringing two opposing parts together around an object.
More examples
- A scorpion holds an insect in its pincers.
- The lobster's larger pincer crushes a clam's shell.
- Keep your fingers away from the crab's open pincers.
Forms
pincer · pincers
Similar words
- claw
- Can also mean a pointed nail without opposing gripping parts.