arachnid
noun
Did you know?
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
Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 7 June 2024
The arachnids are native to Asia, but were introduced to north Georgia around 2010, the study said, and are continuing to spread.
—Li Cohen, CBS News, 4 June 2024
Joro spiders are large and brightly colored arachnids with a body span of up to four inches, according to The Pennsylvania State University.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 13 June 2024
The arachnids can have up to a 4-inch leg span and the ability to fly.
—Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for arachnid 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arachnid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near arachnid
Cite this Entry
“Arachnid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arachnid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arachnid
noun
Share