harvestman
/'hɑ:vistmæn/
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of arachnid: A harvestman is an arachnid that resembles a spider but has a small, rounded, single-segmented body and extremely long, thin legs. It is not a true spider as it lacks venom and silk glands.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- I saw a harvestman crawling on the garden wall.
- Harvestmen are often found in damp, dark places like caves or under logs.
Advanced Usage
- Ecological Role: Harvestmen are important as scavengers in the ecosystem, helping to decompose dead plant and animal matter.
- The harvestman plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling by consuming detritus.
Variants and Related Words
- Daddy-longlegs (n): A common informal name for the harvestman in some regions. (Note: This name is also used for crane flies and cellar spiders in other areas, which can cause confusion.)
- Children often call harvestmen "daddy-longlegs."
- Opiliones (n): The scientific order to which harvestmen belong.
- The order Opiliones contains over 6,500 species of harvestmen.
Synonyms
- Opilionid: A technical synonym for a harvestman.
- Harvester (archaic/regional): An older or less common term.
Related Phrases
- Harvestman season: An informal phrase referring to the time of year (often late summer or autumn) when these arachnids are most commonly seen.
- It must be harvestman season; they're everywhere in the shed.
Noun
-
spiderlike arachnid with a small rounded body and very long thin legs
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