black widow

American  

noun

1. a venomous spider, Latrodectus mactans, widely distributed in the U.S., the female of which is jet-black with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of its abdomen.

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black widow British  

noun

1. an American spider, Latrodectus mactans , the female of which is black with red markings, highly venomous, and commonly eats its mate

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Etymology

Origin of black widow

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The system may belong to a rare category known as a black widow.

From Science Daily

Verrelli has studied the spread of black widow spiders, an increasing medical health concern in cities along the West Coast.

From Salon

The last time the attic received a major overhaul was in the mid-2000s, and that figure, known as the “black widow bride,” had a more aggressive, sinister story to tell.

From Los Angeles Times

The last time the attic received a major overhaul was in the mid-2000s, and that figure, known as the “black widow bride,” had more aggressive, sinister story to tell.

From Los Angeles Times

That also helps you to avoid other venomous animals that live in the park, including scorpions and black widow spiders.

From Los Angeles Times