Old World crayfish
- noun
- UK
:
cangrejo de río del Viejo Mundo
- The Old World crayfish is often found in European rivers and streams.
Examples
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The Old World crayfish is often found in rivers and lakes.
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Researchers are studying how pollution affects Old World crayfish populations in Asia.
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Unlike its American counterparts, the Old World crayfish has a narrower range in North America.
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Did you know that Old World crayfish can be quite colorful?
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The Old World crayfish thrives in freshwater habitats across Europe.
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Scientists are investigating the breeding habits of Old World crayfish in their natural environments.
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Many anglers hope to catch Old World crayfish during the summer fishing season.
Synonyms
15
3.6
A small animal like a lobster that lives in fresh water and is eaten
4
8.2
A small freshwater animal like a tiny lobster that lives in creeks
4
3.0
A small fresh water animal like a tiny lobster with claws that lives in rivers and streams
1
9.9
A small fresh water animal like a tiny lobster that people eat in French cooking
A group of freshwater crayfish that live in Europe and western North America
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally understandable as 'crayfish from the Old World' because the constituents 'old' + 'world' function as a geographic modifier and 'crayfish' names the animal. However, 'Old World' is a lexicalized historical/geographical term whose exact referents (Europe/Asia, etc.) may not be known to a B1 learner, so the meaning is only partly predictable from the parts.
Etymology
Old World crayfish: The name 'Old World' refers to Europe and Asia, so Old World crayfish are the crayfish that come from those places. These small freshwater crayfish live in Europe, Asia and parts of western North America, so the name simply tells you where they are native to.