ta·ran·tu·la / təˈranchələ/ • n. 1. a large hairy spider (family Theraphosidae, numerous species) found chiefly in tropical and subtropical America, some kinds of which are able to catch small lizards, frogs, and birds. 2. a large black wolf spider (Lycosa tarentula) of southern Europe whose bite was formerly believed to cause tarantism.

Tarantula ★★★ 1955

If you're into gigantic killer insect movies this is one of the best with nifty special effects and some good action. Carroll plays a scientist working on a growth formula which he's testing on a spider when it accidentally gets loose. This eight-legged horror grows to 100 feet high and causes havoc in the Arizona desert until the Air Force napalms the sucker. Look for Eastwood in the final sequence as an Air Force pilot. 81m/B VHS, DVD . Leo G. Carroll, John Agar, Mara Corday, Nestor Paiva, Ross Elliott, Clint Eastwood; D: Jack Arnold; W: Robert M. Fresco, Martin Berkeley, Jack Arnold.

tarantula Large, hairy wolf-spider of s Europe, once thought to inflict a deadly bite that would cause madness. It spins no web, but chases and pounces on its prey. Length of body: to 2.5cm (1in). Family Lycosidae; species Lycosa tarentula. The name is also applied to the sluggish, dark, hairy spiders of sw USA, Mexico, and South America. Many species burrow and feed on insects. Length of body: to 7.5cm (3in). Family Theraphosidae; genera Aphonopelma and Eurypelma.

tarantula large wolf-spider of S. Europe XVI; applied to other spiders XVIII. — medL. — It. tarantola, f. Taranto (see prec.), where it is commonly found.

tarantula See MYGALOMORPHAE.