rock crab

noun

1. any of several crabs that live along rocky beaches, especially those of the genus Cancer, as C. irroratus, of the eastern coast of North America, having the rear legs modified for running.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock crab¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

The common rock crab, Pachygrapsus, was examined many times during July and very few adult females were without eggs.

From Project Gutenberg

In the little hollows between rocks a rock-crab or a green-crab may be found on guard.

From Project Gutenberg