comb-footed spider: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “comb-footed spider” mean?
A spider of the family Theridiidae, characterized by a row of stiff, comb-like bristles on the hind legs used for flinging silk over prey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A spider of the family Theridiidae, characterized by a row of stiff, comb-like bristles on the hind legs used for flinging silk over prey.
Any spider belonging to a large, diverse family (Theridiidae) known for building three-dimensional, irregular cobwebs, which includes the common house spider and the infamous black widow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties, as it is a technical biological term. Common names for specific species (e.g., 'cupboard spider' in UK vs 'American house spider' in US) may differ.
Connotations
Purely technical; no regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard in arachnology texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “comb-footed spider” in a Sentence
The [specific name] is a comb-footed spider.We found a comb-footed spider [prepositional phrase, e.g., in the shed].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comb-footed spider” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The comb-footed theridiid is common in gardens.
American English
- It exhibited classic comb-footed spider behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biological/zoological papers and textbooks to classify spiders.
Everyday
Virtually never used; a layperson would say 'cobweb spider' or simply 'spider'.
Technical
The standard term for spiders of the family Theridiidae in arachnology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comb-footed spider”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “comb-footed spider”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comb-footed spider”
- Misspelling as 'come-footed spider'.
- Using it as a general term for any web-building spider.
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'comb footed-spider'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, most are harmless. The family includes the notorious black widow, but the vast majority of species pose no threat to humans.
It is a descriptive name used in scientific and educational contexts, but not a common everyday name. People are more likely to say 'cobweb spider'.
The row of bristles, called a calamistrum, is used to comb out and fluff up silk from the spinnerets, creating a hackled band of silk used to entangle prey.
Yes, many common house spiders (like *Parasteatoda tepidariorum*) are comb-footed spiders, often found in corners building messy cobwebs.
A spider of the family Theridiidae, characterized by a row of stiff, comb-like bristles on the hind legs used for flinging silk over prey.
Comb-footed spider is usually technical/scientific in register.
Comb-footed spider: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊm ˌfʊtɪd ˈspaɪdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊm ˌfʊt̬əd ˈspaɪdɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny spider with a tiny comb on its foot, carefully combing out silk threads for its web.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL FOR WEB-BUILDING (The comb is a tool on the spider's body, analogous to a human tool.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a comb-footed spider?