hermit crab
Definition of hermit crab
: any of numerous chiefly marine small decapod crustaceans (especially families Diogenidae, Paguridae, and Parapaguridae) having soft asymmetrical abdomens and occupying the empty shells of gastropods
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of hermit crab
First Known Use of hermit crab
1735
HERMIT CRAB Defined for English Language Learners
hermit crab
Definition of hermit crab for English Language Learners
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: a type of crab that lives in the empty shell of another animal (such as a snail)
HERMIT CRAB Defined for Kids
hermit crab
Definition of hermit crab for Students
: a small crab that lives in the empty shells of mollusks (as snails)
Learn More about hermit crab
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hermit crab
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