The black widow is a venomous spider species that is widely known for its distinctive appearance and deadly bite. This spider is feared by many people due to its reputation as a dangerous creature that can cause serious harm or even death. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the black widow spider, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
The black widow is a spider species that belongs to the genus Latrodectus. It is known for its shiny black coloration and the red hourglass-shaped marking on its abdomen. The female black widow is larger than the male and is the one that is most commonly encountered. The black widow is also known for its venomous bite, which can cause severe pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms.
Origin
The black widow spider is native to North America, where it is found in many different habitats, including forests, deserts, and urban areas. It is believed to have evolved around 100 million years ago and is thought to have originated in the southern United States or Mexico.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The black widow spider is defined in different dictionaries as a venomous spider species that is known for its distinctive appearance and deadly bite. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a spider of the genus Latrodectus, typically black with a red hourglass-shaped marking on the abdomen, and having a venomous bite.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a venomous spider (Latrodectus mactans) of the southern U.S. and Mexico that has a shiny black body with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen.”
Associations
The black widow spider is associated with danger, fear, and death. It is often used as a symbol of female power and sexuality in popular culture, as well as a metaphor for toxic relationships. The black widow is also associated with the dark and mysterious, and is often used in horror movies and literature to create a sense of dread and suspense.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for black widow include widow spider, hourglass spider, redback spider, and button spider.
Antonyms
As the black widow is a specific species, there are no real antonyms for it. However, some antonyms for spider include butterfly, moth, and beetle.
The same root words
The root words for black widow are “black” and “widow.” Black refers to the spider’s coloration, while widow refers to the female spider’s tendency to eat the male after mating.
Example Sentences
- The black widow spider is one of the most feared creatures in North America.
- I saw a black widow in my garden and immediately called an exterminator.
- The black widow’s venom is extremely potent and can cause severe symptoms.
- The black widow is often used as a symbol of danger and death in popular culture.
- Some people keep black widows as pets, but this is not recommended due to their venomous nature.