araneiform
- adjective
- /ˌærəˈniːɪfɔrm/
- Specialized
- The frost on the window created an araneiform design that looked like a delicate web.
Examples
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Some plants have araneiform leaves that spread out like the legs of a spider.
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Scientists observed araneiform patterns on the Martian surface caused by seasonal changes.
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The araneiform patterns on the surface of the planet are fascinating.
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Some plants have araneiform leaves that mimic spider webs.
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The frost on the window created an araneiform design that looked like a delicate web.
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Scientists observed araneiform patterns on the Martian surface caused by seasonal changes.
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Some plants have araneiform leaves that spread out like the legs of a spider.
Synonyms
Thin and delicate like a spider's web or legs
Looking like a spider or a spider's web
Shaped or moving like a spider with long thin legs
Having the shape of a spider with legs and a round body
Having the shape of a spider or spider web
Like a spider or like a spider's web
Like a spider in look or movement with long thin parts reaching out
Having thin, long legs or parts and moving like a spider
Having thin lines that form a shape like a spider's web
Relating to animals like spiders and scorpions
How Spider-Like
Surface Forms
Morphology
araneiform = arane + iform
Formed from the specialized combining form 'arane-' (spider) + the scientific suffix '-iform'; the combining form is not a familiar English word, so learners cannot readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Araneiform comes from the Latin root aranea 'spider' and the ending -form 'shape', so it literally means 'spider-shaped'. Think of a spider or its web spreading out, and you will remember why araneiform describes things that look like a spider or a spider web.