Search Dictionary
Definition of arachnid

arachnid

/əˈræk.nɪd/
a · rach · nid
Plural:arachnids
•
Adjective:arachnidan
JUMP TO:

arachnid Lexical Profile

arachnid Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A wingless, primarily terrestrial arthropod of the class Arachnida, such as a spider, scorpion, mite, or tick, typically characterized by having a body divided into two segments and four pairs of legs.

Example

"While cleaning out the old shed, the children discovered a large arachnid resting quietly in the corner of the ceiling."

Photo by Christian Ferrer / CC BY-SA 3.0

Word Nuance & Usage

Arachnids are frequently confused with insects, but they are anatomically distinct; arachnids have eight legs and two main body segments, whereas insects have six legs, three body segments, and often wings.

• Nearby Words

arabis
arable
aracari
arachnid
arachnophobe
arachnophobia
arachnophobic

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived in the mid-19th century from Modern Latin 'Arachnida', which stems from the Greek word 'arakhnē', meaning 'spider'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Arachnid. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/arachnid
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.