oyster crab

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noun

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

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Origin of oyster crab

First recorded in 1750–60

Words nearby oyster crab

oyster, Oyster Bay, oyster bed, oyster cap, oystercatcher, oyster crab, oyster cracker, oystered, oyster farm, oysterfish, oyster fork

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use oyster crab in a sentence

Someone called him a hermit crab lurking in the halls of the United Nations.
The Man Who Invented the Word ‘Genocide’|Nina Strochlic|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There were jokes about Winston shoplifting crab legs earlier this year.
Jameis Winston's Inevitable #epicfail|Gideon Resnick|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Wrap cooked crab legs in bacon, and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.
Epic Meal Empire’s Meat Monstrosities: From the Bacon Spider to the Cinnabattleship|Harley Morenstein|July 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When it comes to Dungeness crab, plain is perfect, but culinary adventurers should also try a house-made Dungeness crab burger.
Become a Fried Seafood Believer at South Beach Market|Jane & Michael Stern|April 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Salmon burgers and shrimp burgers are available, too, but they are no match for the crab.
Become a Fried Seafood Believer at South Beach Market|Jane & Michael Stern|April 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
From pre-natal days I was destined for the railway service, as an oyster to its shell.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
But, before they can be used for this purpose, these leaves are coated with lime made from oyster shells and then folded up.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade
Leo stood in front of the Crab, and the half darkness allowed him a glimpse of that vast blue-black back, and the motionless eyes.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
In the middle of his singing he felt the cold touch of the Crab's claw on the apple of his throat.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
“Follow me, Mr Larks,” he said, turning and descending the ladder sailor-fashion—which means crab-wise.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for oyster crab

oyster crab

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012