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
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024
From the excruciating sting of the tarantula hawk wasp to the potentially life-threatening bite of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, the state is home to a variety of insects, arachnids, and reptiles capable of delivering intense pain or potent venom.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
According to one study published in Communications Biology, there are over 1,200 arachnid species from 66 families and 371 genera currently in trade.
—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
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“Arachnid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arachnid. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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arachnid
noun
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