Meaning of the word pincer in English

What does pincer mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

pincer

US /ˈpɪn.sɚ/

UK /ˈpɪn.sər/

a tool with two parts that are pressed together to grip something, used for gripping small objects or for cutting wire

Example:

•

He used a pair of pincers to pull out the nail.

•

The electrician reached for his pincers to cut the wire.

Synonym:

pliers forceps tongs tweezers grippers

a large claw of a crab or other crustacean

Example:

•

The crab used its powerful pincers to crack open the shell.

•

Be careful, that lobster's pincers can give you a nasty nip.

Synonym:

claw chela nipper

to grip or squeeze something tightly with or as if with pincers

Example:

•

The surgeon carefully pincered the delicate tissue.

•

The police tried to pincer the suspects from both sides.

Synonym:

grip squeeze clamp nip trap