clasper

[klas-per, klah-sper]

noun

1. a person or thing that clasps.

2. (in insects, fishes, crustaceans, etc.) one of the modified, usually paired organs or parts by which the male clasps the female during copulation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clasper¹

First recorded in 1545–55; clasp + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The study also describes another new behavior, called piggyback leaping, when the male leading the chase in a courtship train leaps on top of the female, lifts his tail, and starts rapidly thrusting his clasper, or reproductive organ.

Read more on National Geographic

Former British Army surgeon Colonel Jonathan Clasper said the ballistic impact on her body in the blast was "equivalent to 15 to 20 handgun bullets".

Read more on BBC

Col Clasper operated on critically-injured soldiers at a former British Army hospital in Afghanistan.

Read more on BBC

"Every scenario we came to she would die," Col Clasper said.

Read more on BBC

Col Clasper said Mr Atkinson's chances would have been much higher had he have been treated within a 40-minute window.

Read more on BBC