1. Plural of clasper; appendages or organs used for grasping, holding, or fastening, especially in animals such as insects or fish.
Usage: biology; zoology
2. In male sharks and rays, paired reproductive organs used to transfer sperm to females during mating.
Usage: biology; ichthyology

Examples

• The male insect uses its claspers to hold the female during reproduction.
• Sharks have claspers that extend from their pelvic fins.
• The crab's claspers help it maintain a firm grip on surfaces.
• Biologists examined the claspers of the ray to determine its species.
• Many aquatic arthropods rely on specialized claspers for mating.
• The claspers on the male dragonfly are adapted for grasping the female's thorax.