pincer

noun

pin·​cer ˈpin(t)-sər 

 especially for sense 1 US often  ˈpin-chər

1

a

pincers plural : an instrument having two short handles and two grasping jaws working on a pivot and used for gripping things

b

: a claw (as of a lobster) resembling a pair of pincers : chela

2

: pincer movement

pincerlike

ˈpin(t)-sər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of pincer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Experts in child development like to say that at around nine months old babies develop the pincer grip, or the ability to hold something small between their thumb and forefinger. —James Somers, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024

Scorpions With their menacing pincers and venomous tails, scorpions naturally evoke fear and caution, and their eerie glow under UV light only adds to their spooky allure. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Oct. 2024

For instance, think about insects’ antennae, scorpions’ pincers and spiders’ fangs. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

The pincer grasp is especially helpful when eating and playing with toys. —Alex Vance, Parents, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pinceour, from Anglo-French *pinceour, pinchure, from Anglo-French *pincher, pincer to pinch, from Vulgar Latin *pinctiare, *punctiare, from Latin punctum puncture — more at point

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pincer

• pincer movement

Kids Definition

pincer

noun

pin·​cer ˈpin-chər 

ˈpin(t)-sər

1

plural : an instrument having two handles and two jaws that is used to grip things

2

: a claw (as of a lobster) resembling a pair of pincers

pincerlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective