Spider: meaning, definitions and examples

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spider

[ˈspaɪdər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

insects

Spiders are eight-legged creatures that belong to the arachnid family. They are known for spinning webs to catch prey and are found in almost every part of the world. Spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and are known for their silk production.

Synonyms

arachnid, insect-catcher, web-spinner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spider	Use this word in everyday speech when referring to the common eight-legged creature. It's the most generic term. There's a spider in the corner of the room Spiders help control insect populations
arachnid	This word is best used in scientific or more formal contexts where precision is important. It refers to the class of joint-legged invertebrates which includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. Spiders are part of the arachnid family Arachnids have eight legs and no antennae
web-spinner	Focuses on the spider's ability to create webs. Use this term when discussing how they make webs or their web-spinning behavior. Web-spinners create intricate designs to catch their prey The web-spinner weaves a new web every night
insect-catcher	Describes spiders in a functional way, emphasizing their role in catching insects. Suitable for informal conversations about their behavior. Spiders are excellent insect-catchers The insect-catcher in my garden keeps the pest population low

Examples of usage

Charlotte the spider weaved a beautiful web to catch her prey.
Spiders are skilled hunters, using their webs to trap unsuspecting insects.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computer technology

In the world of computer technology, a spider is a program that automatically fetches web pages. These spiders are often used by search engines to index websites and gather information for search results.

Synonyms

automated program, bot, web crawler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spider	Use this term mainly in the context of search engines and web indexing. This term is often used in a technical context, where people are familiar with how search engines work. Google uses spiders to index websites for search results. A spider crawled through my site and updated its index.
web crawler	Use this term like 'spider,' specifically in contexts related to web indexing and search engines. It is more formal and technical. A web crawler visits websites to gather information for search engines. The web crawler updated our website's metadata in the search index.
bot	This term is used for software applications that run automated tasks over the Internet. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, including marketing, gaming, customer service, or spam. Chatbots are becoming popular for customer service. Some bots are used to spam forums with unwanted messages.
automated program	Use this term when referring to any software designed to perform tasks automatically. It's a broader term that can be used in various fields such as IT, robotics, and automation. We created an automated program to schedule our social media posts. The automated program saved us hours of manual work.

Examples of usage

The search engine's spider crawled the web, indexing new websites.
Spiders help search engines provide accurate and relevant search results.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'spider' comes from the Old English 'spīthra', which meant 'to spin', referring to their web-making ability.
In Latin, spiders are called 'araneae', which is connected to the word 'arenaceous', meaning sandy, due to their many web types resembling sand.
Spiders belong to the class Arachnida, which also includes scorpions, ticks, and mites, showcasing their unique place in the animal kingdom.

Science

Scientists estimate there are around 40,000 species of spiders worldwide, many of which are still undiscovered.
Some spiders produce silk that is stronger than steel, making their webs both delicate and incredibly durable.
Spiders play a significant role in the ecosystem, controlling pest populations by consuming vast numbers of insects.

Mythology and Folklore

In many cultures, spiders are symbols of creativity and patience, reflecting their skill at weaving intricate webs.
The spider is often featured in Native American tales, where it is seen as a storyteller and a creature of creation.
In some African cultures, the trickster god Anansi is portrayed as a spider, symbolizing wisdom and the importance of stories.

Pop Culture

Spiders are popular in movies and books, such as 'Charlotte's Web,' where a spider helps a pig named Wilbur find friends.
Comic book fans know Spider-Man, a superhero who gained powers from a radioactive spider bite, blending the everyday with the extraordinary.
Many web-based games and apps feature spiders, using their unique traits to create engaging characters.

Psychology

The fear of spiders, called arachnophobia, is one of the most common phobias, affecting millions of people.
Studies suggest that fear of spiders may be evolutionary, as avoiding them could have historically increased survival chances.
Exposure therapy is often used to help people manage their fear, gradually allowing individuals to confront their discomfort around spiders.

Translations

Translations of the word "spider" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aranha

🇮🇳 मकड़ी

🇩🇪 Spinne

🇮🇩 laba-laba

🇺🇦 павук

🇵🇱 pająk

🇯🇵 蜘蛛 (くも)

🇫🇷 araignée

🇪🇸 araña

🇹🇷 örümcek

🇰🇷 거미

🇸🇦 عنكبوت

🇨🇿 pavouk

🇸🇰 pavúk

🇨🇳 蜘蛛

🇸🇮 pajek

🇮🇸 könguló

🇰🇿 өрмекші

🇬🇪 ობობა

🇦🇿 hörümçək

🇲🇽 araña

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,564, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10567 awarding
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