spider

spi·der

noun \ˈspī-dər\

Definition of SPIDER

1

: any of an order (Araneae syn. Araneida) of arachnids having the abdomen usually unsegmented and constricted at the base, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of abdominal spinnerets for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey)

2

: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth

3

: any of various devices consisting of a frame or skeleton with radiating arms or members

— spi·der·ish \-də-rish\ adjective

— spi·der·like \-dər-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of SPIDER

1. We watched the spider spin its web.

Origin of SPIDER

Middle English spyder, alteration of spithre; akin to Old English spinnan to spin

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with SPIDER

bider, cider, eider, glider, guider, hider, rider, slider, strider, stridor

spi·der

noun \ˈspīd-ər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SPIDER

1

: any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a body with two main divisions, four pairs of walking legs, and two or more pairs of abdominal spinnerets for spinning threads of silk used especially in making webs for catching prey

2

: spider nevus <an arterial spider>

3

: an obstruction in the teat of a cow; especially : a small irregular horny growth resulting from irritation or bruising

spider

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of approximately 38,000 predatory arachnid species, mostly terrestrial, in the order Araneida, abundant worldwide except in Antarctica. Spiders have two main body parts, eight legs, two pincerlike venomous appendages, and three pairs of spinnerets. Species range in length from 0.5 to about 90 mm (0.02 to 3.5 inches). The venom of a few species (e.g., brown recluse) is harmful to humans. Most species catch insect prey in a web of silk extruded from the spinnerets. Spiders change little during growth, except in size. Species are classified largely on the basis of the number and arrangement of eyes and the type of web. See also black widow; tarantula; wolf spider.