Definition of mygalomorph in English:
mygalomorph
noun ˈmɪɡ(ə)ləmɔːfˈmiɡələˌmôrf
Zoology A large spider of a group that includes the tarantulas, trapdoor spiders, and funnel-web spiders. Mygalomorphs have several primitive features, including fangs that stab downwards rather than towards one another.
Suborder Mygalomorphae, order Araneae
Example sentencesExamples
- To imitate a mygalomorph, put your index and middle fingers in front of your mouth and move them up and down.
- Female tarantulas like other mygalomorphs are able to moult after reaching maturity.
- All mygalomorphs have two pairs of ventral booklungs that operate on the principle of infusion rather than the more efficient system of inhalation.
- Previously, the earliest known mygalomorphs, described in 1990, were about 100 million years old.
- These spiders are easily distinguished from the mygalomorphs because they move their jaws sideways, like a pair of pliers.
Origin
1920s: from modern Latin Mygalomorphae, from Greek mugalē 'shrew' + morphē 'form'.