Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling a spider in appearance or characteristics: Having qualities that are similar to those of a spider, such as a long, thin, or sprawling form, or relating to arachnids.
   • Arachnid-like: Pertaining to or characteristic of the class Arachnida, which includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The old tree had spiderlike roots spreading across the ground. (The roots were thin and sprawling, resembling a spider's legs.)
  • Her handwriting was described as spiderlike, with thin, spidery letters. (The letters were delicate and sprawling, similar to a spider's web.)
  • The robot moved with spiderlike agility across the rough terrain. (The robot's movement was reminiscent of a spider's.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Biological Context: Used to describe organisms or structures that share morphological features with spiders.
  • The fossil exhibited a spiderlike body plan, suggesting an early arachnid ancestor.
• Figurative Use: Can describe abstract concepts that evoke the imagery of a spider's web or form.
  • A spiderlike network of cables connected the servers in the data center.

Variants and Related Words

• Spiderly (adj., rare): Having the qualities of a spider.
• Arachnoid (adj.): Resembling a spider's web; relating to arachnids.
• Spidery (adj.): Very similar to "spiderlike," often describing thin, delicate, or sprawling lines (e.g., spidery handwriting, spidery legs).

Synonyms

• Arachnidan: Of or relating to arachnids.
• Weblike: Resembling a spider's web.
• Gangly: Tall, thin, and awkwardly built (can overlap in describing long, thin limbs).

Related Phrases

• Spiderlike legs: Long, thin legs reminiscent of a spider's.
• Spiderlike fingers: Long, slender, and sometimes delicate fingers.

Adjective

1. relating to or resembling a member of the class Arachnida