chelicera

noun

che·​lic·​era ki-ˈli-sə-rə How to pronounce chelicera (audio)
plural chelicerae ki-ˈli-sə-ˌrē How to pronounce chelicera (audio)
: one of the anterior pair of appendages of an arachnid often specialized as fangs
cheliceral adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French chélicère, from Greek chēlē + keras horn — more at horn

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chelicera was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near chelicera

Cite this Entry

“Chelicera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chelicera. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chelicera

noun
che·​lic·​era ki-ˈlis-ə-rə How to pronounce chelicera (audio)
plural cheliceras or chelicerae -ˌrē How to pronounce chelicera (audio)
: either of two special front legs of a spider that often function as fangs

Medical Definition

chelicera

noun
che·​lic·​era ki-ˈlis-ə-rə How to pronounce chelicera (audio)
plural chelicerae -ˌrē How to pronounce chelicera (audio)
: one of the anterior pair of appendages of an arachnid often specialized as fangs
cheliceral adjective

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