orb weaver

American  

noun

1. any of numerous spiders of the family Argiopidae, characterized by loosely woven, spiraling webs that have support lines radiating outward from the center.

---

Etymology

Origin of orb weaver

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Jones studies social behavior in the orb weaver spiders that his undergraduate students collect near their East Tennessee State University campus.

From Scientific American • Nov. 21, 2017

White, who consulted with a Museum curator while writing the classic children’s book, named the main character Charlotte A. Cavatica after a common orb weaver, Araneus cavaticus.

From Scientific American • Oct. 15, 2012

One morning, Lane woke to find a 10-foot web strung between the same pair of trees as his hammock, an orb weaver spider the breadth of my palm splayed at its center.

From Slate • Nov. 7, 2011

Golden orb weaver Tarantula Crab spider The US Postal Service has admitted an embarrassing mistake.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2011

Mr Soini, a "die-hard" Millwall supporter, is rarely seen without his club scarf.It's the golden orb weaver.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2011