Claspers

/ˈklæspərz/ noun

Definition

Plural of clasper; multiple structures used for grasping or holding, especially the reproductive organs in male elasmobranchs like sharks.

Etymology

Simple pluralization of 'clasper,' maintaining the same root meaning from 'clasp' + '-er.' The term became standardized in marine biology textbooks to describe these distinctive features.

Kelly Says

When marine biologists study shark reproduction, they spend a lot of time observing these claspers because understanding them is key to protecting shark populations—it's one of those technical terms that tells you exactly what a structure does.

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