pincer

IPA/ˈpɪnsə(r)/
IPA/ˈpɪnsər/

pincer — noun

  • pincersingular
  • pincersplural

1. a pointed, hinged claw found in matching pairs on the front legs of crustaceans

1.名詞B1
釋義

a pointed, hinged claw found in matching pairs on the front legs of crustaceans and arachnids, used for catching and holding prey

例句

Nkechi watched the crab use its right pincer to tear off a piece of bread.

singular 'pincer' referring to one of a pair

The old lobster had lost one pincer in a fight with another male.

同義詞
  • claw

    broader term covering the curved nails or gripping appendages of birds, mammals, and reptiles; pincer is specific to crustaceans and arachnids

  • chela

    formal biological term for the pincer of a crustacean, rarely used outside scientific writing

  • nipper

    informal, sometimes childish word for a small pincer; common in casual speech but not in formal writing

文法句型

pincer(s) + verb of action

possessive + pincer(s)

用法筆記

When describing both claws together, use the plural form 'pincers' or the phrase 'a pair of pincers'. Singular 'pincer' refers to one claw only.

常見錯誤

❌The crab snapped at me with its pincer.' (when both claws are used)
✅The crab snapped at me with its pincers.
💡Use plural unless you are describing only one claw.
❌A scorpion attacks with its pincer stinger.
✅A scorpion attacks with its pincers and its stinger.
💡The pincer is the claw; the stinger is a separate body part on the tail.

2. a hand-operated implement of metal with two arms that pivot at a central joint,

2.名詞B1
釋義

a hand-operated implement of metal with two arms that pivot at a central joint, curving together at the tips to grip, pull, or cut objects

例句

Gabriel pulled the staple out of the wooden desk with a pair of pincers.

collocation: 'a pair of pincers'

Anna reached for her pincers to loosen the rusted pipe fitting under the sink.

同義詞
  • pliers

    similar tool with flat jaws used for bending, holding, or cutting; pincers have curved jaws that meet at a single point for gripping and pulling

  • tongs

    larger scissor-like tool for picking up objects like coal or ice; pincers are smaller and designed for more precise work

文法句型

a pair of pincers + verb

with pincers

possessive + pincers

用法筆記

Unlike the animal claw sense, the tool is nearly always referred to as 'pincers' or 'a pair of pincers', never 'a pincer'. Treat it as a plural noun even for a single unit.

常見錯誤

❌I need a pincer to pull this nail out.
✅I need a pair of pincers to pull this nail out.
💡The tool is referred to as 'pincers' or 'a pair of pincers', not 'a pincer'.
❌He cut the wire with a pincher.
✅He cut the wire with pincers.
💡There is no 'r' after the 'c' in 'pincer'. The word is 'pincers', not 'pinchers'.