Definition

Noun: 1. A venomous spider: A spider (Latrodectus mactans) found primarily in North and South America. The adult female is shiny black and has a distinctive red, hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of its abdomen. Its bite is neurotoxic and considered dangerous to humans.

Usage

• The term black widow is used specifically to refer to this species of spider. It is a compound noun and is typically used in singular or plural forms to discuss the animal itself, its characteristics, or encounters with it.
• Example: "Be careful moving that woodpile; you might disturb a black widow."
• Example: "Black widows are known for their potent venom."

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: The name is sometimes used figuratively to describe a person, typically a woman, who is perceived as dangerous or fatal, especially to her partners. This usage draws a direct analogy to the spider's reputation.
  • Example: "In the film, the femme fatale was portrayed as a black widow, luring men to their doom."

Variants and Related Words

• Widow spider: A more general term for spiders of the genus , which includes the black widow and other similar species like the brown widow or redback spider.
• Latrodectism: (Noun) The medical condition caused by the bite of a widow spider.

Synonyms

• Widow spider (general term for the genus)
• Latrodectus mactans (scientific name)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Like a black widow: Used to describe a seductive but ultimately harmful or treacherous person or situation.
  • Example: "The deal seemed attractive at first, but it turned out to be like a black widow—beautiful but deadly."

Noun

1. venomous New World spider; the female is black with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen