: one of the pair of legs that bears the large chelae in decapod crustaceans

Word History

Etymology

Greek chēlē claw + English -i- + -ped

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheliped was in 1869

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheliped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheliped. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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