Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Plural form of clasper.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Male sharks have structures known as claspers located on the underside near their anal fins.

    ScubaBoard 2010

  • No one has ever filmed these "killing machines" mating, but they are assumed to use an ocean form of date-rape called tonic immobility: the male knocks the female into a trance-like state then plunges his two sperm-­delivery "claspers" into her.

    The Guardian World News Alex Duval Smith 2010

  • No one has ever filmed these "killing machines" mating, but they are assumed to use an ocean form of date-rape called tonic immobility: the male knocks the female into a trance-like state then plunges his two sperm-­delivery "claspers" into her.

    The Guardian World News Alex Duval Smith 2010

  • No one has ever filmed these "killing machines" mating, but they are assumed to use an ocean form of date-rape called tonic immobility: the male knocks the female into a trance-like state then plunges his two sperm-­delivery "claspers" into her.

    Travel news, travel guides and reviews | guardian.co.uk Alex Duval Smith 2010

  • No one has ever filmed these "killing machines" mating, but they are assumed to use an ocean form of date-rape called tonic immobility: the male knocks the female into a trance-like state then plunges his two sperm-­delivery "claspers" into her.

    Environment news, comment and analysis from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk Alex Duval Smith 2010

  • You can tell the difference between the sexes not only by their genitals the males have little claspers to help them mate but by other parts of their bodies such as their eyes: the female has small eyes pointing out to either side, while those of the male bulge out so much that they touch over the top of its head.

    Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

  • You can tell the difference between the sexes not only by their genitals the males have little claspers to help them mate but by other parts of their bodies such as their eyes: the female has small eyes pointing out to either side, while those of the male bulge out so much that they touch over the top of its head.

    Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

  • The male genitalia are modified into claspers in order to grip the female securely behind the head in order to remain coupled in flight.

    Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water again ... - The Panda's Thumb 2009

  • You can tell the difference between the sexes not only by their genitals the males have little claspers to help them mate but by other parts of their bodies such as their eyes: the female has small eyes pointing out to either side, while those of the male bulge out so much that they touch over the top of its head.

    Parasite Rex Carl Zimmer 2009

  • The largest was Basilosaurus isis, which was up to 21 m long, with well developed five-fingered flippers on the forelimbs and the quite unexpected presence of hind legs, feet, and toes, not known previously in any archaeocete; a vestigial use may have been as claspers during aquatic mating.

    Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley), Egypt 2008

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  • (n): male insect or fish reproductive parts that aid in fertilization of the female.

    January 7, 2009