chelicerate
/kəˈlɪsəˌreɪt/
adjective
- Relating to or having chelicerae, which are the first pair of appendages (like pincers or fangs) in arachnids and related arthropods.
- Spiders and scorpions are chelicerate arthropods with specialized mouthparts.
- The chelicerate structure of the horseshoe crab helps it crush and eat small prey.
- In biology class, we studied the chelicerate features of ticks and mites.
noun
- An arthropod belonging to the subphylum Chelicerata, which includes spiders, scorpions, mites, and horseshoe crabs.
- Many chelicerates, like the black widow spider, produce venom to capture prey.
- The chelicerate is known for having six pairs of appendages, including chelicerae.
- Horseshoe crabs are ancient chelicerates that have lived on Earth for millions of years.