arachnid
noun
Did you know?
The term arachnid refers to a class of animals that includes spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks. Most arachnids have a segmented body divided into two regions, with the front part bearing four pairs of legs, but no antennae. They have a hard external skeleton and range in size from the mite, which is 0.003-in (0.08-mm) long, to the 8-in (21-cm) black scorpion of Africa. As arachnids grow, they molt, or shed their skin, several times. Arachnids are primarily carnivorous, but most are unable to digest food internally, instead they inject their prey with digestive fluids, then suck the liquefied remains. Arachnids are found worldwide in nearly every habitat. Some mites and ticks are parasitic and can carry diseases. Venomous spiders and scorpions also may pose a danger to humans, but most arachnids are harmless and prey only on insects.
Examples of arachnid in a Sentence
Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Together, these findings may one day help scientists piece together the mysterious evolutionary lineage of the arachnids.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024
The discovery of the two arachnids reinforces that the island serves as an biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic Ocean, researchers said.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2024
On July, 28, 2023, the pandemic long over, Mr. Thomas added the last touches to his map: six final creatures, including a golden-breasted songbird, a bat weighing less than half an ounce, and a bristly arachnid.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 10 Dec. 2023
With those spiders, groups of mostly female arachnids will build huge webs in the branches of trees, with most inhabitants working together to both build webs and protect their young.
—WIRED, 6 Mar. 2023
He's studied the chemical and behavioral defenses of ants, wasps and arachnids.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2024
In the diverse world of arachnids, black widow spiders, scientifically categorized in the genus Latrodectus, stand out for their distinct appearance and the notorious potency of their venom.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024
Tarantula mating season starts early amid threats to arachnids.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arachnid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near arachnid
Cite this Entry
“Arachnid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arachnid. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arachnid
noun
Share