spider monkey n 1: arboreal monkey of tropical America with long slender legs and long prehensile tail [syn: spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyi}]

spider monkey noun Date: 1764 any of a genus (Ateles) of New World monkeys with long slender limbs, the thumb absent or rudimentary, and a very long prehensile tail

5. (Mach.) A skeleton, or frame, having radiating arms or members, often connected by crosspieces; as, a casting forming the hub and spokes to which the rim of a fly wheel or large gear is bolted; the body of a piston head; a frame for strengthening a core or mold for a casting, etc. Spider ant. (Zo["o]l.) Same as Solitary ant, under Solitary. Spider crab (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of maioid crabs having a more or less triangular body and ten long legs. Some of the species grow to great size, as the great Japanese spider crab ({Macrocheira Kempferi}), measuring sometimes more than fifteen feet across the legs when they are extended. Spider fly (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of parasitic dipterous insects of the family Hippoboscid[ae]. They are mostly destitute of wings, and live among the feathers of birds and the hair of bats. Called also bird tick, and bat tick. Spider hunter (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of East Indian sunbirds of the genus Arachnothera. Spider lines, filaments of a spider's web crossing the field of vision in optical instruments; -- used for determining the exact position of objects and making delicate measurements. Fine wires, silk fibers, or lines on glass similarly placed, are called spider lines. Spider mite. (Zo["o]l.) (a) Any one of several species of parasitic mites of the genus Argas and allied genera. See Argas. (b) Any one of numerous small mites injurious to plants. Spider monkey (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of South American monkeys of the genus Ateles, having very long legs and a long prehensile tail. Spider orchis (Bot.), a European orchidaceous plant ({Ophrys aranifera}), having flowers which resemble spiders. Spider shell (Zo["o]l.), any shell of the genus Pteroceras. See Pteroceras.

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