sea spider

American  

noun

1. any member of the arthropod class Pycnogonida, marine invertebrates with eight long walking legs attached to a small body consisting of a cephalothorax and vestigial abdomen.

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sea spider British  

noun

1. a small marine arachnid, having four pairs of legs and somewhat resembling a spider, unusual in that the male carries the eggs once they are laid and cares for the offspring

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Etymology

Origin of sea spider

First recorded in 1660–70

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sea spider

The discoveries mark the first new sea spider species formally described from the Salish Sea in nearly 100 years.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 25, 2026

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified two previously unknown species of sea spider, including one with hairy legs and striking red eyes.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 25, 2026

The team also produced an identification guide to help scientists distinguish sea spider species found throughout the region.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 25, 2026

Under a microscope, researchers watched the sea spider wrap these appendages around its legs and use comb-like spines to groom and clean its body.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 25, 2026

A few paces away, a monstrous, meter–high sea spider was staring at me with beady eyes, poised to spring at me.

From Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by F. P. Walter

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