Arachnid: meaning, definitions and examples
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arachnid
[ əˈraknɪd ]
insects
An arachnid is a type of invertebrate animal with eight legs, such as a spider or scorpion. Arachnids are known for their ability to produce silk and their predatory behavior. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations in various ecosystems.
Synonyms
mite, scorpion, spider, tarantula.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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arachnid |
General term for the class of joint-legged invertebrate animals in the Arachnida class. Used in scientific discussions or formal contexts when referring to this group as a whole.
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spider |
Common arachnid known for spinning webs to catch prey. Used in everyday conversations, children's stories, and situations related to common household creatures.
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scorpion |
Specific arachnid known for its segmented tail that ends in a venomous sting. Often mentioned in discussions about desert wildlife or dangerous creatures.
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tarantula |
Large, hairy spiders that are often discussed in contexts of exotic pets, wildlife, or when referring to their size and appearance.
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mite |
Small arachnids typically associated with dust or parasitic behaviors. Often used in contexts related to health, allergies, or biology.
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Examples of usage
- Many people have a fear of arachnids like spiders and scorpions.
- Arachnids use their silk to build webs for catching prey.
- The diversity of arachnids is vast, ranging from tiny mites to large tarantulas.
Translations
Translations of the word "arachnid" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aracnídeo
🇮🇳 अराक्निड
🇩🇪 Spinnentier
🇮🇩 arakhnoid
🇺🇦 павукоподібний
🇵🇱 pajęczak
🇯🇵 クモ形綱
🇫🇷 arachnide
🇪🇸 arácnido
🇹🇷 örümceğimsiler
🇰🇷 거미류
🇸🇦 عنكبوتيات
🇨🇿 pavoukovec
🇸🇰 pavúkovec
🇨🇳 蜘蛛纲
🇸🇮 pajkovec
🇮🇸 áttfætla
🇰🇿 өрмекші тәрізділер
🇬🇪 ობობას მსგავსი
🇦🇿 hörümçəkkimilər
🇲🇽 arácnido
Etymology
The term 'arachnid' originates from Greek mythology, specifically from the story of Arachne the weaver. In the myth, Arachne was transformed into a spider by the goddess Athena as punishment for her hubris. This origin story reflects the association of arachnids with silk production and weaving behaviors.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,853, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
- ...
- 38850 serviette
- 38851 indecisively
- 38852 diurnally
- 38853 arachnid
- 38854 stormiest
- 38855 nippy
- 38856 unassertive
- ...