Chelicere

/ˈkɛlɪsɪr/ noun

Definition

One of the paired claw-like or fang-like appendages found near the mouth of chelicerate arthropods, used for grasping and manipulating food.

Etymology

From Greek 'chele' (claw) + 'keras' (horn). Singular form of 'chelicerae,' describing the individual claw-like structures that define this arthropod group.

Kelly Says

Those spider fangs you're afraid of? They're actually legs that evolved into fangs—it's one of nature's wildest evolutionary recycling projects!

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