Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of spider: An orb-weaver is a spider belonging to the family Araneidae, characterized by its ability to build large, intricate, circular (orb-shaped) webs to catch prey. These spiders are found worldwide.

Usage

• The term "orb-weaver" is used specifically in zoology, biology, and general nature observation to identify and discuss this common family of spiders.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The garden was full of beautiful webs made by orb-weavers.
  • An orb-weaver sat patiently in the center of its web, waiting for an insect.
  • Unlike wandering hunters, orb-weavers are sit-and-wait predators that rely on their engineered traps.

Advanced Usage

• "Orb-weaver spider": This is a more explicit, full form of the term, often used for clarity. The meaning is identical to "orb-weaver."
  • The golden silk orb-weaver spider is known for the striking yellow color of its web.

Variants and Related Words

• Orb web (n): The classic, wheel-shaped web constructed by these spiders.
  • The dew-covered orb web glistened in the morning sun.
• Araneidae (n): The scientific family name for orb-weaving spiders.

Synonyms

• Orb-weaving spider: The most direct synonym.
• Garden spider (context-dependent): A common name for some large, conspicuous orb-weaver species, especially in Europe and North America.

Noun

1. spiders that spin orb webs; cosmopolitan in distribution