arachnid

arach·nid

noun \ə-ˈrak-nəd, -ˌnid\

Definition of ARACHNID

: any of a class (Arachnida) of arthropods comprising chiefly terrestrial invertebrates, including the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks, and having a segmented body divided into two regions of which the anterior bears four pairs of legs but no antennae

— arachnid adjective

Examples of ARACHNID

1. Spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks are arachnids.

First Known Use of ARACHNID

1869

Rhymes with ARACHNID

camelid, giant squid, katydid, ootid, overbid, pyramid, underbid

arachnid

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any member of the class Arachnida, primarily carnivorous arthropods having a well-developed head, a hard external skeleton, and four pairs of walking legs. Spiders and scorpions have a segmented body, but daddy longlegs, ticks, and mites do not. Arachnids range in size from tiny mites (0.003 in. [0.08 mm] long) to the 8-in. (21-cm) black scorpion of Africa. As arachnids grow, they molt several times (see molting). Most are unable to digest food internally; instead, they inject their prey with digestive fluids and suck the liquefied remains. Arachnids are found worldwide in nearly every habitat. Most groups are free-living, but some mites and ticks are parasitic and can carry serious diseases of animals and humans. Venomous spiders and scorpions also may pose a danger to humans. However, most arachnids are harmless and prey on insect pests.