: any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a short, usually unsegmented abdomen linked to the cephalothorax by the pedicel, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of spinnerets at the posterior end of the abdomen for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey)
Note: Spiders are further characterized by leglike pedipalps near the mouth, usually eight simple eyes, and book lungs or tracheae in the abdomen.
b
: any of various other arthropods and especially arachnids that resemble the true spiders—not used technically
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: a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth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
Recent Examples on the WebIn a paper published last week in the journal Current Biology, scientists show that articles about spider bites are often false. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Aug. 2022 Using tongs and a large slotted spoon or spider, transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl. Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2022 These cute spider cookies are just the thing to make together for an after-school snack. Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, 24 Aug. 2022 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star did eventually step in to help, after Trey trapped the spider under a glass while his dad screamed in the background. Amanda Taylor, Peoplemag, 21 Aug. 2022 These little touches — including Eddie's spider and wyvern tattoos, which Forsythe has shared artwork of on her Instagram account — played an integral role in bringing the character to life. Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 20 Aug. 2022 Finish the farmhouse Thanksgiving centerpiece with beets, pears, small gourds, and a couple of white spider mums. Stroll through your yard and snip a few branches with colorful leaves or berries. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2022 With every spider Rößler recorded, these odd movements only appeared during distinct bouts that lasted a little more than a minute and occurred periodically throughout the night. Betsy Mason, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2022 These tubes aren't visible in adult spiders due to the pigment in the spider's cuticle. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 8 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English spyder, alteration of spithre; akin to Old English spinnan to spin