spider Definition

spider
noun

1a. Any of thousands of species of invertebrate animals that are found in virtually all habitats, which have eight legs and two main body parts with the head and thorax fused and joined to the abdomen at a narrow waist, and which, in most cases, can produce silk for spinning webs to trap their prey;
1b. Any similar related species such as the spider mite, harvest mite, etc.
2. Something that resembles one of these creatures, such as a snooker rest which has long legs so that it can be used to arch over a ball, or an elasticated mesh for securing luggage on a car's roof rack, etc. See also arachnophobia.

Derivative: spider-like
adj

Derivative: spidery

See separate entry.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon spithra, from spinnan to spin.