arachnid
noun
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The term arachnid refers to a class of animals that includes spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks. Most arachnids have a segmented body divided into two regions, with the front part bearing four pairs of legs, but no antennae. They have a hard external skeleton and range in size from the mite, which is 0.003-in (0.08-mm) long, to the 8-in (21-cm) black scorpion of Africa. As arachnids grow, they molt, or shed their skin, several times. Arachnids are primarily carnivorous, but most are unable to digest food internally, instead they inject their prey with digestive fluids, then suck the liquefied remains. Arachnids are found worldwide in nearly every habitat. Some mites and ticks are parasitic and can carry diseases. Venomous spiders and scorpions also may pose a danger to humans, but most arachnids are harmless and prey only on insects.
Examples of arachnid in a Sentence
Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Insects such as ants, bees, and beetles create burrows, just as arachnids like spiders and scorpions do.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
James took to his Instagram to share a video of the now-dead arachnid around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
—Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 17 Oct. 2024
Despite this, these arachnids play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, preying on perhaps even creepier pests like termites, cockroaches and crickets.
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—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Arachnid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arachnid. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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arachnid
noun
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