Meanings
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1
noun
one of a pair of curved claws or jaws used by an arthropod to grasp or cut
The crab raised one pincer toward the intruder.
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2
noun
a gripping jaw or part of a tool or mechanical device
The robotic pincer lifted the delicate component.
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3
noun
in military strategy, an attack from two sides that closes around an opponent
The commander attempted a pincer movement around the city.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English pynsor, through Old French pinceure or pinchure, from pincier 'to pinch.' The military sense comes from the image of two closing claws.