barn spider
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A common orb-weaving spider: A species of spider, Araneus cavaticus, known for constructing a new, circular (orb) web each day. It is typically orange and tan in color with legs marked by dark bands. 2. A literary spider: The spider species famously used as the model for the character Charlotte in E.B. White's classic children's novel Charlotte's Web.
Examples
- Noun:
- A barn spider had spun its intricate web between the porch railing and the eaves.
- The children learned that the fictional Charlotte was based on a real barn spider.
Advanced Usage
- As a model organism: In biological studies, the barn spider is sometimes referenced for its predictable web-spinning behavior.
- The researcher observed the barn spider's web-building sequence for her ethology project.
Variants and Related Words
- Orb-weaver (n): The common name for the family of spiders (Araneidae) to which the barn spider belongs, all known for building spiral wheel-shaped webs.
- (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the barn spider.
Synonyms
- Orb-weaving spider: A general term for spiders that build orb webs.
- : The formal scientific synonym.
Related Phrases
- To spin a web: The primary action associated with the barn spider. This phrase is literal for the spider but can be used metaphorically for humans.
- Each evening, the barn spider spins a new web to catch its prey.
Noun
- an orange and tan spider with darkly banded legs that spins an orb web daily
- the barn spider was made famous in E. B. White's book `Charlotte's Web'