SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

Diogenes crab

noun
Save Word
Di·​og·​e·​nes crab | \ dīˈäjə(ˌ)nēz- \

Definition of Diogenes crab

: a terrestrial hermit crab (Cenobita diogenes) abundant in the West Indies and destructive to crops

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Diogenes crab

so called from its habit of living in an empty shell as Diogenes is reputed to have lived in a tub

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About Diogenes crab

Dictionary Entries Near Diogenes crab

Diogenes

Diogenes crab

diogenite

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for Diogenes crab

Cite this Entry

“Diogenes crab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Diogenes%20crab. Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

misbegotten

Listen to the pronunciation of misbegotten

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Dog Words Quiz

  • shiba puppy more or less demanding cuddles
  • Which of the following animals has a dog in its etymology?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games