black widow

• Giftige Spinnenart der Gattung Latrodectus, bekannt für ihre schwarze Färbung und die rote, sanduhrförmige Markierung auf dem Hinterleib; im übertragenen Sinn auch für einen gefährlichen oder tödlichen Menschen in Beziehungen verwendet.

A venomous spider species (Latrodectus) known for its black color and red hourglass marking on the abdomen; also used figuratively to describe a person who is dangerous or deadly in relationships.

1. Spider speciesB2formal

   A venomous spider (Latrodectus mactans) known for its black color and red hourglass marking, and for the female's tendency to eat the male after mating.

   Schwarze Witwe

   • The black widow spider is found in warm regions of the world.
   • A black widow bite can be dangerous and requires medical attention.
   • The female black widow is larger and more venomous than the male.

2. Figurative: dangerous womanC1informal

   A woman who is perceived as dangerous, manipulative, or who brings harm to her partners, often for personal gain.

   Schwarze Witwe

   • In the movie, she played a black widow who seduced wealthy men.
   • The press called her a black widow after her third husband died mysteriously.
   • He was warned that she was a black widow who would ruin him.