spider Definition

any of an order (Araneae synonym Araneida) of arachnids having a short, usually unsegmented abdomen linked to the cephalothorax by the pedicel, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of spinnerets at the posterior end of the abdomen for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey)

any of various other arthropods and especially arachnids that resemble the true spiders —not used technically

a cast-iron frying pan originally made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth

any of a family (Majidae) of crabs with extremely long legs and nearly triangular bodies which they often cover with kelp

any of various small web-spinning mites (family Tetranychidae) that include destructive pests of plants —called also red spider

any of a genus (Ateles) of New World monkeys with long slender limbs, the thumb absent or rudimentary, and a very long prehensile tail

any of several cultivars of a southern African plant (Chlorophytum comosum) of the lily family widely grown as houseplants and having long narrow green leaves usually striped with white or ivory and producing white flowers and tufts of plantlets on long hanging stems

a telangiectasia (as of the legs or face) often appearing as a central area with outward radiations resembling the legs of a spider

a network of sticky threads made by a spider and used as a resting place and a trap for food

a venomous spider (Loxosceles reclusa) especially of the southern and central U.S. that has a violin-shaped mark on the cephalothorax and produces a dangerous cytotoxin which can cause necrotic lesions

any of a family (Thomisidae) of spiders that resemble crabs in shape and in being able to walk forward, backward, and sideways

any of a family (Salticidae) of small spiders that stalk and leap upon their prey