araneiformes
|a-ra-nei-for-mes|
🇺🇸
/ˌærəˈniːfɔrmiz/
🇬🇧
/ˌærəˈniːfɔːmiːz/
(araneiform)
spider-shaped
Etymology
'araneiformes' originates from New Latin/Modern scientific coinage, specifically from Latin 'aranea' meaning 'spider' and the combining form '-form(‑)' meaning 'shape', with a plural ending influenced by taxonomic/Neo-Latin pluralization.
'araneiformes' developed from Latin 'aranea' → New Latin 'araneiform' (meaning 'spider-shaped') and was pluralized in modern scientific usage as 'araneiformes', especially in planetary geology to name spider-like landforms.
Initially it was a descriptive term meaning 'spider-shaped'; over time it became a technical term referring specifically to the spider-like erosional features observed on Mars.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'araneiform': spider-like erosional landforms (commonly called 'spiders') found on Mars, formed by seasonal CO2 sublimation that carves radial channels in the surface.
The HiRISE images revealed numerous araneiformes on the polar plains, evidence of active seasonal processes.
Synonyms
Noun 2
plural of 'araneiform' in a general sense: objects or forms that are spider-shaped or have a radiating, web-like pattern.
The artist's sculptures included several araneiformes, their limbs radiating from central hubs.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/01 22:30