Chela

Chela is a term with multiple meanings across biology, culture, and language. In zoological usage, chela denotes a claw or pincer. In crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters, the claw-bearing limb is called a cheliped, and the claw itself is a chela; the paired structures are chelae. Chelae are used for grasping, feeding, and defense, and the term may be applied more broadly to the claws of other arthropods.

In Indian cultural and religious contexts, chela (from Sanskrit) means a disciple or devotee of a guru. A chela is typically someone who follows and learns from a teacher, often within a spiritual or monastic setting, and the relationship emphasizes guidance and discipline.

In colloquial Latin American Spanish, chela is slang for a beer. It is widely used in informal speech in parts of Mexico and other Spanish-speaking regions, with the plural form chelas also common.

As a proper name, Chela can be used as a given name or surname in various cultures. It may also appear in place names or as part of geographic or organizational titles, though such usage varies by language and region.