clasper

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a specialized appendage used to hold a mate during reproduction, especially in male fish, insects, or crustaceans

   The biologist examined the shark's clasper to determine its sex.

2. 2
   noun

   any structure or device that grips or clasps another object

   A small clasper held the two parts of the specimen mount together.

3. 3
   noun

   a plant tendril or similar climbing organ

   The vine's clasper curled tightly around the wire.

Formed in English from clasp + the agent or instrument suffix -er, literally 'something that clasps.' Zoology adopted the word for paired or specialized reproductive appendages that grip a mate.

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