tail fan

American  

noun

Zoology.

1. the fanlike posterior appendage of crayfish and lobsters, consisting of a telson and two uropods, used for rapid backward propulsion.

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tail fan British  

noun

1. the fanned structure at the hind end of a lobster or related crustacean, formed from the telson and uropods

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Etymology

Origin of tail fan

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

As it undulated through an ancient sea with its flaps and spiky tail fan, Utaurora likely wielded its proboscis to shovel food into its mouth.

From New York Times

“I saw it roll and I saw the tail fan,” he said.

From Fox News

Scientists in the US have used eye-tracking cameras to work out exactly what peahens find alluring in a peacock's tail fan.

From BBC

The eye-tracking footage revealed how difficult it is to keep a peahen's attention, which helps explain why such a large and elaborately decorated tail fan evolved.

From BBC

Set the legs in their permanent position, spread or close the tail fan as desired, arrange the antennae, and set the specimen in a well ventilated spot to dry.

From Project Gutenberg