clasper

noun

clasp·er | \ ˈkla-spər

How to pronounce clasper (audio)

\

Definition of clasper

: a male copulatory structure:

a : one of a pair of external anal processes of an insect that are used to grasp a female

b : one of a pair of organs that are extensions of the pelvic fins of cartilaginous fishes

Examples of clasper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Male sharks internally fertilize females with one of their two sperm-transfer organs, called claspers. — National Geographic, "How do Animals Have Sex Underwater?," 27 May 2017 Claspers are penis-like organs male sharks use to transfer seminal fluid into the vent of a female. — National Geographic, "7 Amazing Animal Organs People Don't Have," 14 Jan. 2017 In some species, the claspers are held in place by spiny projections. — National Geographic, "7 Amazing Animal Organs People Don't Have," 14 Jan. 2017 In males the pelvic claspers, used in mating, glow. — David Gruber, National Geographic, "Through a Shark's Eyes: See How They Glow in the Deep," 25 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clasper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about clasper

Dictionary Entries near clasper

Statistics for clasper

Cite this Entry

“Clasper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clasper. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

WORD OF THE DAY

slipshod

Listen to the pronunciation of slipshod

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

More Confusing Words—Quiz

The magician ______ moved the selected card to the top of the deck.

discretely discreetly

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ