brown recluse spider

noun

: a venomous spider (Loxosceles reclusa) especially of the southern and central U.S. that has a violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax and produces a dangerous cytotoxin which can cause necrotic lesions

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Sean has always found solace in the mountains but even more so after his older brother died suddenly from a brown recluse spider bite when Sean was 16. Kate Siber, Outside Online, 9 Nov. 2022 As for the infamous brown recluse spider, its range is in the south-central United States, nowhere near here. Erin Middlewood | The Columbian, oregonlive, 30 Oct. 2022 Venomous spider bites tend to look a bit more concerning, though; for example, a brown recluse spider bite can turn purple-ish, which means the skin tissue is dying. Kirsten Nunez, SELF, 23 Sep. 2022 However, the brown recluse spider is a dangerous exception. al, 28 June 2022 Hu says that all brown recluse spider victims should seek medical treatment from licensed doctors. al, 28 June 2022 The most common and most famous species in the United States is the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa. al, 28 June 2022 The brown recluse spider is the only other arachnid in Maryland that is potentially harmful to people. Cori Brown, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 31 Oct. 2021 The Mediterranean recluse spider is a cousin to the brown recluse spider, but is even more reclusive. Rebekah Riess And Leah Asmelash, CNN, 23 Feb. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brown recluse spider.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brown recluse spider was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near brown recluse spider

Cite this Entry

“Brown recluse spider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brown%20recluse%20spider. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

brown recluse spider

noun
: a poisonous spider especially of the southern and central U.S. that has a dark violin-shaped mark on the front half of its back

Medical Definition

brown recluse spider

noun
: a venomous spider of the genus Loxosceles (L. reclusa) especially of the southern and central United States that produces a dangerous cytotoxin which can cause necrotic lesions

called also brown recluse

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