tarantula
noun
-tə-lə
-tə-ˌlē
Note: Tarantulas of the western hemisphere possess barbed, irritating, detachable hairs on the back of the abdomen which may be kicked off as projectiles when the spider is threatened. It is thought that the presence of these defensive hairs may explain the limited aggressiveness of New World tarantulas and the minimal effect (such as redness or swelling) of their venom on humans. Tarantulas of the eastern hemisphere, however, lack these irritating hairs, tend to display greater aggressiveness, and are more likely to inflict painful bites with venom that may sometimes cause severe systemic reactions.
Richard ConniffRick WeissDanielle PoulosExamples of tarantula in a Sentence
Thomas Peipert, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024
Tarantula hawk wasp The tarantula hawk wasp's sting is often described as a searing electric shock that can incapacitate its victim temporarily.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
One such example with over three-and-a-half million views at the time of writing is a re-splicing of Brandon Farris’ famed tarantula piece from 2019.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
From the excruciating sting of the tarantula hawk wasp to the potentially life-threatening bite of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, the state is home to a variety of insects, arachnids, and reptiles capable of delivering intense pain or potent venom.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Tarantula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tarantula. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tarantula
noun
Medical Definition
tarantula
noun
-ˈrant-ᵊl-ə
-ˈrant-ᵊl-ˌē
Note: Tarantulas of the western hemisphere possess barbed, detachable, irritating hairs on the back of the abdomen which may be kicked off as projectiles when the spider is threatened. It is thought that the presence of these defensive hairs may explain the limited aggressiveness of New World tarantulas and the minimal effect (such as redness or swelling) of their venom on humans. Tarantulas of the eastern hemisphere, however, lack these irritating hairs, tend to display greater aggressiveness, and are more likely to inflict painful bites with venom that may sometimes cause severe systemic reactions.
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