fiddler crab


noun

any small, burrowing crab of the genus Uca, characterized by one greatly enlarged claw in the male.

Origin of fiddler crab

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10

British Dictionary definitions for fiddler crab

fiddler crab

noun

any of various burrowing crabs of the genus Uca of American coastal regions, the males of which have one of their anterior pincer-like claws very much enlarged

Word Origin for fiddler crab

C19: referring to the rapid fiddling movement of the enlarged anterior claw of the males, used to attract females