Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
black-widow
noun
/ˈblæk ˈwɪdoʊ/
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Definition
A black widow is a highly venomous spider known for the distinctive hourglass marking on its abdomen.
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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.
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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.
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Synonyms
- Widow spider
- Latrodectus
- Dangerous spider