spider
UK: ˈspaɪdə | US: ˈspaɪdər
n. a small, eight-legged arachnid that spins webs to catch prey
n. (computing) a program that systematically browses the internet for indexing
n. (mechanics) a type of tool or component with radiating arms
The word "spider" evolved from Old English spīþra, linked to the verb spinnan (to spin). The connection to spinning is vivid—spiders were historically seen as "spinners" due to their web-making. Over time, spīþra morphed into "spider," retaining its core logic while simplifying pronunciation.
A spider crawled across the ceiling silently.
She screamed when she saw a spider in the bathtub.
The search engine uses a spider to index new web pages.
The mechanic adjusted the spider gear in the differential.
Children’s rhymes often feature the "itsy bitsy spider."