decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers
"The crab scuttled sideways across the sand, its broad flattened carapace shielding its tiny folded abdomen while it waved its large pincers defensively."
a quarrelsome grouch
"Don't let Mr. Henderson's crab attitude ruin everyone's birthday party."
the fourth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about June 21 to July 22
"The astrologer noted that since the sun entered crab on June 21, his horoscope predictions would shift slightly."
a louse that infests the pubic region of the human body
"The doctor prescribed medication to treat the crab infesting his groin area after he had unprotected sex."
a stroke of the oar that either misses the water or digs too deeply
"he caught a crab and lost the race"
A crustacean of the infraorder Brachyura, having five pairs of legs, the foremost of which are in the form of claws, and a carapace.
"The climber clipped his rope into a metal crab before ascending further up the rock face."
The crab apple or wild apple.
The tree species Carapa guianensis, native to South America.
Short for carabiner.
In plain English: Crab (noun: Short for carabiner.) Plain English Definition: A crab is a metal clip used to connect ropes or climbing gear.
"He clipped the rope to the rock face with a trusty crab."
Usage: Crab (noun - short for carabiner) refers to a metal loop used in climbing, caving, or other activities requiring secure connections; it's often clipped to ropes, harnesses, and anchors. Avoid using "crab" to refer to the crustacean unless context makes your meaning clear.
direct (an aircraft) into a crosswind
"The pilot used crabbing to steer the plane safely against the strong crosswind during landing."
scurry sideways like a crab
"The little boy tried to walk across the room by scrambling along on his knees and dragging his feet, just like he was trying to scurry sideways like a crab."
To fish for crabs.
"Don't let his comments crab you into a bad mood before we start working."
To irritate, make surly or sour
In plain English: To crab means to complain or be grumpy.
"Don't crab at me; I'm doing my best."
Usage: Use "to crab" when someone is being grumpy, complaining, or generally difficult; it implies provoking that negative reaction. He didn't mean to crab his boss by questioning the new policy.
The word crab entered English from Old English as a term for both the crustacean and its cancerous tumor form. Its ultimate origin traces back to an ancient root meaning "to scratch or claw," which likely inspired the name due to the creature's pincers.