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Glite Dictionary
pistol shrimp

pistol shrimp

7.8
A small sea animal with one large claw that snaps loudly to stun prey
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪstəl ʃrɪmp/
translation icon : camarón pistola
  • During feeding, the pistol shrimp can stun its prey with the sharp sound made by its snapping claw.

Examples

  • Scientists have observed how the pistol shrimp uses its claw to communicate with other marine animals.

  • And you've already seen the pistol shrimp.

    Seal Team (2021)

  • For what did crustaceans such as lobsters and pistol shrimp use their claws?

    Blog text (14)

  • The pistol shrimp creates a loud snapping sound by rapidly closing its oversized claw.

Synonyms

shrimp
vspistol shrimp
289 1.0

A small sea animal with a long body and ten legs that people eat

is more specific and uses one claw to snap loudly to stun or signal
snapping shrimp
vspistol shrimp
7.8

A small sea shrimp that makes a loud snap with one large claw

is the form that uses that snap to stun prey and communicate

Surface Forms

pistol shrimp singular
pistol shrimps plural

Morphology

pistol + shrimp

This is a descriptive noun–noun compound: 'pistol' + 'shrimp' transparently signals a shrimp associated with a pistol-like feature (an oversized claw that snaps). A B1 learner who knows both words would reasonably infer it is a type of shrimp characterized by a weapon-like claw or snapping action, even if they might not know the precise biological mechanism.

Etymology

The name pistol shrimp comes from the small shrimp's one large claw that snaps shut like a pistol, making a loud pop and a tiny blast that can stun small fish. So the word 'pistol' helps you remember that this shrimp uses a gun-like snap to catch prey and send signals.