Arachnoid
/əˈræk.nɔɪd/noun
Resembling a spider or spiderweb, especially in structure or appearance.
Did you know?The arachnoid mater, one of the brain’s protective membranes, was named for its delicate, web-like appearance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀράχνη (aráchnē)
“Spider; traditionally associated with the mythic weaver Arachne”
2nd Century
Greek
ἀραχνοειδής (arachnoeidēs)
“Spider-like or resembling a spider’s web”
17th Century
New Latin
arachnoides
“Spider-like; used in anatomical description”
18th Century
Medical Latin
arachnoidea mater
“The web-like membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord”
19th Century
English
arachnoid
“Resembling a spider or spiderweb; especially relating to the arachnoid membrane”
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