arachnid

UK: əˈræknɪd | US: əˈræknɪd

Definition
  1. n. any of a class (Arachnida) of arthropods comprising chiefly terrestrial invertebrates, including spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks.

Structure
arachn <spider, from Greek *aráchnē*>id <noun suffix denoting membership in a class>
Etymology

The word "arachnid" traces back to Greek aráchnē (ἀράχνη), meaning "spider," famously tied to the myth of Arachne, a mortal weaver transformed into a spider by Athena. The suffix -id (from Greek -idēs) denotes classification, forming scientific terms for animal groups. The term evolved via Latin arachnida (coined by French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck) to describe the arthropod class.

Examples
  1. Spiders and scorpions are both classified as arachnids.

  2. The biologist studied the arachnid's unique web-spinning behavior.

  3. Unlike insects, arachnids have eight legs and no antennae.

  4. Many people fear arachnids, though most are harmless.

  5. The museum displayed fossils of ancient arachnids.