Pronunciation: [spˈa͡ɪdəz] (IPA) 
The word "spiders" is spelled with a consonant cluster of "sp" followed by a vowel sound "ai" and ending with a consonant sound "d" and "s." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ˈspaɪdərz/. The "s" in "spiders" is pronounced as a voiced /z/ sound due to being followed by a voiced syllable. This word refers to a group of eight-legged arachnids known for their silk-producing ability and often instilling fear in humans.
Spiders are arachnids belonging to the order Araneae and are characterized by their two main body parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. They are known for their distinctive eight legs, which sets them apart from insects that have six legs. Spiders also possess specialized mouthparts called chelicerae, which they use to inject venom into their prey or subdue it.
These creatures are known for their ability to spin silk, produced from specialized glands located at the tip of their abdomen. Spider silk is incredibly strong and elastic, allowing spiders to construct intricate webs used for capturing prey or as a means of communication.
Spiders are highly diverse, with over 48,000 species identified worldwide. They can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from rainforests to deserts, and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. They display a vast array of colors and patterns, often adapting to blend into their surroundings for protection.
While spiders are predominantly carnivorous, feeding primarily on insects and other small invertebrates, some larger species can prey on small vertebrates like frogs or birds. In general, spiders play a crucial role in ecosystems as natural pest controllers, contributing to the control of insect populations.
Although some spider species can deliver venomous bites, the majority pose no threat to humans. However, their reputation as fearsome predators and their presence in certain phobias, like arachnophobia, have made them notorious creatures in popular culture.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spiders" is derived from the Old English term "spīþra" which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*spīdrô". The Proto-Germanic term is believed to have roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*spey-", meaning "to twitch, tremble". The term eventually developed into the Middle English word "spider" during the 14th century, which has been used to refer to these arachnids ever since.
