chela

noun

che·​la ˈkē-lə How to pronounce chela (audio)
plural chelae ˈkē-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce chela (audio)
: a pincerlike organ or claw borne by a limb of a crustacean or arachnid

Examples of chela in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Zinc and iron enrichment was present only in the granular rows of the chela, specifically in the jagged, tooth-like bumps called denticles on the movable outer segment. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek chēlē claw

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chela was in 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Chela.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chela. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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