Lycosa Tarentula (Noun)
Meaning
Large southern European spider once thought to be the cause of tarantism (uncontrollable bodily movement).
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- People in southern Europe once believed that the bite of the lycosa tarentula spider was the cause of tarantism, a strange condition characterized by uncontrollable bodily movements.
- The lycosa tarentula was a large and hairy spider that was once widely feared in southern Europe due to its supposed role in causing tarantism.
- During the Middle Ages, dancers in southern Italy would jump and spin wildly in a ritual known as the tarantella, supposedly to counteract the effects of a lycosa tarentula bite.
- Scientists have long since disproven the idea that the lycosa tarentula is capable of causing tarantism, but the spider remains a source of fascination for many.
- In reality, the lycosa tarentula is a relatively harmless spider that is not typically aggressive and only bites in self-defense.