First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1crab
noun, often attributive \ˈkrab\
Definition of CRAB
1
plural crabs also crab : any of numerous chiefly marine broadly built decapod crustaceans: a : any of an infraorder (Brachyura) with a short broad usually flattened carapace, a small abdomen that curls forward beneath the body, short antennae, and the anterior pair of limbs modified as grasping pincers b : any of various crustaceans of an infraorder (Anomura) resembling true crabs in the more or less reduced condition of the abdomen
2
capitalized : cancer 1
3
plural : infestation with crab lice
4
: the angular difference between an aircraft's course and the heading necessary to make that course in the presence of a crosswind
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Origin of CRAB
Middle English crabbe, from Old English crabba; akin to Old High German krebiz crab and perhaps to Old English ceorfan to carve — more at carve
Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms
2crab
verb
crabbedcrab·bing
Definition of CRAB
intransitive verb
1
: to fish for crabs
2
a (1) : to move sideways indirectly or diagonally (2) : to crab an airplane b : to scuttle or scurry sideways
transitive verb
1
: to cause to move sideways or in an indirect or diagonal manner; specifically : to head (an airplane) into a crosswind to counteract drift
First Known Use of CRAB
1657
3crab
noun
Definition of CRAB
Origin of CRAB
Middle English crabbe, perhaps from crabbe 1crab
First Known Use: 14th century
4crab
noun
5crab
verb
crabbedcrab·bing
Definition of CRAB
transitive verb
1
: to make sullen : sour <old age has crabbed his nature>
2
: to complain about peevishly
intransitive verb
Origin of CRAB
Middle English crabben, probably back-formation from crabbed
First Known Use: 1662
CRAB Defined for Kids
1crab
noun \ˈkrab\
Definition of CRAB for Kids
: a sea animal that is a crustacean related to the lobsters and has a short broad flat shell and a front pair of legs with small claws
2crab
noun
Definition of CRAB for Kids
: a person who is usually grouchy
3crab
verb
crabbedcrab·bing
Definition of CRAB for Kids
: complain
Medical Dictionary
crab
noun \ˈkrab\
Medical Definition of CRAB
1
: any of a tribe (Brachyura) of chiefly marine crustaceans with a short broad usually flattened carapace, a small abdomen that curls forward beneath the body, short antennae, and the anterior pair of limbs modified as grasping pincers
2
crabs pl : infestation with crab lice
Learn More About CRAB
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