Chelicera

Pronunciation: /kəˈlɪsərə/

Definitions of chelicera

noun The first pair of appendages in most arachnids, typically modified for feeding and sometimes for defense.

Example Sentences

A1 Spiders use their chelicera to inject venom into their prey.

A2 The chelicera of a scorpion is used for grasping and tearing apart prey.

B1 The chelicera of a spider can vary in size and shape depending on the species.

B2 Scientists study the chelicera of arachnids to better understand their feeding behavior.

C1 The chelicera of some spiders have evolved to be highly specialized for capturing and immobilizing prey.

C2 Researchers have discovered unique adaptations in the chelicera of certain arachnids that allow for efficient prey capture.

Examples of chelicera in a Sentence

formal The chelicerae of spiders are the structures that contain their fangs.

informal Did you know that a spider's chelicerae are used to inject venom into their prey?

slang Watch out for those chelicerae, they can pack a mean bite!

figurative Her sharp words were like the chelicerae of a spider, injecting venom into the conversation.

Grammatical Forms of chelicera

• past tense: chelicerated
• plural: chelicerae
• comparative: more chelicerae
• superlative: most chelicerae
• present tense: chelicera
• future tense: will chelicera
• perfect tense: have cheliceraed
• continuous tense: is cheliceraing
• singular: chelicera
• positive degree: chelicera
• infinitive: to chelicera
• gerund: cheliceraing
• participle: cheliceraed

Origin and Evolution of chelicera

First Known Use: 1835 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'chelicera' originated from the Greek word 'khēlēk' meaning claw or pincer, and 'keras' meaning horn.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the field of zoology to refer to the first pair of appendages in arachnids and horseshoe crabs used for feeding and defense, the term 'chelicera' has since been adopted in various scientific disciplines to describe similar structures in other organisms.