Funnel-Web
/ˈfʌnəl wɛb/noun
A web shaped like a funnel, especially the silk retreat made by certain spiders.
Did you know?Australian funnel-web spiders can detect prey through vibrations transmitted along their web, and some species possess exceptionally potent venom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gheu-
“To pour or spill; the distant root behind the idea of a vessel directing liquid.”
Classical Latin
Latin
infundibulum
“A funnel; literally an instrument for pouring in, from infundere, “to pour into.””
12th–13th Century
Old French
fonel
“A funnel or pouring vessel, borrowed from Latin infundibulum.”
Middle English
English
funel
“A funnel, especially a conical tube used to guide liquids.”
Old English
Old English
webb
“Woven fabric or a woven structure, from a Germanic root meaning “to weave.””
14th–16th Century
English
funnel-web
“A compound describing a web or fabric arranged in a funnel-like shape.”
Modern English
English
funnel-web
“A funnel-shaped spider web or the spider that constructs one, particularly Australian funnel-web spiders.”