Arachne

noun

Arach·ne ə-ˈrak-nē

: weaver in Greek mythology who is changed into a spider for challenging Athena to a contest in weaving

Word History

Etymology

Latin Arachnē, personified form of Greek aráchnē "spiderweb, spider" — more at arachnid

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Arachne was in 1542

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arachnactis

Arachne

arachnean

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Arachne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Arachne. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Arachne

noun

Word History

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