Cobwebby - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

appearance, texture

Cobwebby refers to something that resembles or is covered with cobwebs. It often describes a dusty or neglected appearance, typically in a dark, forgotten corner. The term can evoke a sense of eeriness or a reminder of something that has not been attended to for a long time. It may also suggest fragility or delicacy, much like the silk threads spun by spiders.

Synonyms

dusty, filmy, webby.

Examples of usage

The old attic was filled with cobwebby corners.
She brushed away the cobwebby decorations.
His thoughts were as cobwebby as the forgotten room.

Interesting Facts

Culture

Cobwebs often represent neglect or abandonment in literature and art, symbolizing decay or the passage of time.
They are commonly associated with Halloween decorations, enhancing the spooky atmosphere of haunted houses.
In some cultures, cobwebs are seen as protective, with a belief that they can ward off evil spirits when hung in doorways.

Science

Spider silk, which makes up cobwebs, is known for its incredible strength and elasticity, inspiring research in material science.
There are many types of spider webs, with cobwebs specifically being made by cobweb spiders or tangle-web spiders.
Dust and debris accumulate in cobwebs over time, leading to their characteristic ‘cobwebby’ appearance that can be analyzed for environmental information.

Psychology

The presence of cobwebs can evoke feelings of unease, often linked to fear of the unknown or decay in psychological settings.
They serve as visual cues in narratives, symbolizing forgotten memories or neglected aspects of one’s life.
Cluttered environments, including cobwebby corners, can lead to feelings of anxiety or stress in individuals.

Literature

Cobwebs appear frequently in classic literature to depict old age or the decay of once-vibrant settings, adding to the atmosphere.
Shakespeare used cobwebs metaphorically to suggest entrapment in the tangle of life’s problems.
In ghost stories, the appearance of cobwebs often foreshadows the presence of the supernatural or a haunting past.

Origin of 'cobwebby'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from 'cob' (meaning spider) and 'web', combining to describe areas where spiders create webs.
The term has been in use since the 14th century, evolving alongside the language of literature and speech.
Initially, 'cobweb' referred to a fine, delicate web, while 'cob' relates to the round shape of a spider's body.

The word 'cobweb' originated from the Middle English term 'cobwebbe', which is a combination of 'cob' and 'web'. The term 'cob' in this context refers to a spider, derived from 'cope', a variation of 'cob' that referred to a spider in older English. The 'web' part of the word simply means a woven structure, aligning with how spiders create their intricate webs. Over time, the term evolved into 'cobwebby' to describe not just the physical presence of spider webs, but also an aesthetic or metaphorical quality of being old, abandoned, or neglected. 'Cobwebby' captures a certain atmosphere of decay and mystery, often found in literature and descriptive language, enhancing imagery related to fear or the unknown.

Cobwebby Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations