Diogenes crab

noun

Di·​og·​e·​nes crab
dīˈäjə(ˌ)nēz-
: a terrestrial hermit crab (Cenobita diogenes) abundant in the West Indies and destructive to crops

Word History

Etymology

so called from its habit of living in an empty shell as Diogenes is reputed to have lived in a tub

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Cite this Entry

“Diogenes crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Diogenes%20crab. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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