oyster crab

noun

1. a pea crab, Pinnotheres ostreum, the female of which lives as a commensal within the mantle cavity of oysters.

oyster crab

noun

1. any of several small soft-bodied crabs of the genus Pinnotheres, esp P. ostreum, that live as commensals in the mantles of oysters

Word History and Origins

Origin of oyster crab¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

The oyster-crab is a true messmate, and its presence in the oyster may be advantageous in helping to provide food for its host.

From Project Gutenberg