Definition

Noun: 1. A very small arachnid (mite) that spins fine, silky webs on plants: A spider mite is a tiny pest, related to spiders and ticks, that feeds on plant sap. It is known for producing delicate webbing on the leaves and stems of infested plants, which can include garden vegetables, fruit trees, and houseplants.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The rose bush is infested with spider mites, as you can see from the fine webbing under the leaves.
  • A severe spider mite outbreak can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop from the plant.
  • Gardeners often use a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap to control spider mites.

Advanced Usage

• "Two-spotted spider mite": A common and particularly destructive species of spider mite (), identifiable by two dark spots on its body.
  • The two-spotted spider mite is a major pest in greenhouses and agricultural fields.

Variants and Related Words

• Red spider mite (n): Another common name for certain species of spider mites, often referring to their reddish color.
  • The red spider mite has damaged the bean plants.

Synonyms

• Tetranychid: The scientific family name for spider mites.
• Web-spinning mite: A descriptive synonym highlighting its key characteristic.

Notes on Meaning

While "spider mite" is a compound noun, its meaning is specific and refers to a single type of pest. The term is not typically broken down to separately analyze "spider" and "mite" in this context, as it functions as a unified name for the organism.

Noun

1. web-spinning mite that attacks garden plants and fruit trees