brown recluse spider

American  

noun

1. a small, pale-brown, venomous North American spider, Loxosceles reclusa, distinguished by a violin-shaped marking near the head, found outdoors in rock niches or indoors in drawers or dark corners: its bite may cause deep skin ulcers that are occasionally fatal.

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Etymology

Origin of brown recluse spider

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The former "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star revealed this week the "excruciating pain" he was in after getting bit by a brown recluse spider in bed at home in Reading, Pennsylvania.

From Fox News

A brown recluse spider can cause a delayed reaction, but when severe, it causes skin blistering and necrosis — not this lumpy red rash.

From New York Times

About 2½ years ago, she was bitten by a brown recluse spider and nearly lost her leg, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

It turned out to be a highly venomous brown recluse spider.

From The Guardian

Bites from a brown recluse spider can cause discoloring of the affected area and flulike symptoms.

From Fox News