sea spider

noun

: any of various small long-legged marine arthropods (class Pycnogonida) that superficially resemble spiders

Examples of sea spider in a Sentence

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This discovery marks the first time scientists have observed this behavior in sea spiders. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025 Further exploration of the seafloor could also uncover additional, similar sea spider species, Goffredi said. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 18 June 2025 In fact, each of the three sea spider species collected for the study were from different areas off the coast of Southern California and Alaska — a clue that the populations are highly localized. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 17 June 2025 In water as much as 4,200 feet deep the team from the Schmidt Ocean Institute found a surprisingly flourishing ecosystem that included icefish, giant sea spiders, octopus, corals and sponges. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025 After eight days, the team observed various sea life, including corals, octopuses, giant sea spiders, and sponges. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025 But, somehow, life finds a way: The seafloor was crawling with critters of all shapes and sizes, from centuries-old sponges and cup corals to octopuses, snails, worms, sea spiders, icefish and even a rare giant phantom jellyfish. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025 But despite how prevalent sea spiders are, many researchers say the species is largely understudied. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 Living in the frigid waters off the coast of Antarctica, the giant sea spider has hatched its young in secrecy for over 140 years. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sea spider was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Sea spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea%20spider. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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