1. Plural of chela; a pair of pincers or claw-like appendages found on crustaceans and arachnids.
Usage: zoology; technical

Examples

• The lobster's chelae are powerful enough to crush shells.
• Crabs use their chelae to grasp and manipulate food.
• The scorpion's chelae are located at the front of its body.
• Under the microscope, the chelae of the small crustacean were clearly visible.
• Many arthropods rely on their chelae for hunting and defense.