spider crab

noun

Definition of spider crab

: any of a family (Majidae) of crabs with extremely long legs and nearly triangular bodies which they often cover with kelp

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Recent Examples of spider crab from the Web

Explore all-new exhibit where family meets giant Pacific octopus, moon jellyfish and Japanese spider crabs.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week in Cincinnati: May 7-13," 7 May 2018
The Newport Aquarium's newest attraction, Ring of Fire, features giant Pacific octopus, moon jellyfish and Japanese spider crabs.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Spring break: How to celebrate without leaving town," 26 Mar. 2018
Pacific octopus, moon jellyfish and Japanese spider crabs.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do in Cincinnati this week," 26 Feb. 2018
His idea of a good lunch included a dozen oysters, a spider crab with a half pint of mayonnaise, a dish of tripes à la mode de Caen, a partridge poached in cream and cider, a leg of lamb, a couple of steaks and a good Pont l’Évêque.

— moira hodgson, WSJ, "Review: The American ‘Gourmands’ Way’ Through France," 17 Nov. 2017
Justin Gilligan was in the Mercury Passage off the east coast of Tasmania when a congregation of giant spider crabs marched across the sea floor, covering a region about the size of a football field.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Tragedy and Beauty of Nature on Display in This Year’s Best Wildlife Photos," 19 Oct. 2017

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