Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

black-widow

noun
/ˈblæk ˈwɪdoʊ/
Definition
A black widow is a highly venomous spider known for the distinctive hourglass marking on its abdomen.
Examples
  • The black widow spider can be identified by its shiny black body and the red hourglass shape on its belly.
  • She was as mysterious as a black widow, captivating yet potentially dangerous.
  • Despite their fearsome reputation, black widow spiders tend to avoid human interaction.
Meaning
The term ‘black widow’ refers not only to the spider but also to a person, often in folklore, who has had multiple partners die under suspicious circumstances.
Synonyms
  • Widow spider
  • Latrodectus
  • Dangerous spider