lady crab

noun

1
: a brightly spotted swimming crab (Ovalipes ocellatus) that is very common on the sandy shores of the Atlantic coast of the U.S.
2
: a crab (Portunus puber) of the English coasts that is closely related and similar to the American lady crab

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lady crab was in 1844

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Cite this Entry

“Lady crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lady%20crab. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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