chelicera
noun
one member of the first pair of usually pincerlike appendages of spiders and other arachnids.
chelicerae
-
pluralof chelicera.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Depending on the species, chelicerae can function as pincers or fangs that grip, pierce, or stab prey.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026
These structures represent an early form of chelicerae and provide evidence of the evolutionary beginnings of the pincers and fangs seen in chelicerates today.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026
Most chelicerates ingest food using a preoral cavity formed by the chelicerae and pedipalps.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
In some species, like sea spiders, an additional pair of appendages, called ovigers, is present between the chelicerae and pedipalps.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
The chelicerae writhed, questing for prey, and the sphincter-maw spasmed, teeth clicking open and shut, searching for something to bite into.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
