Did you ever see spider webs resembling a mesh of delicate lace? We call this formation of web a cobweb. In fact, cobweb is now a generic term used to refer to any spider web.
But why is it even called a cobweb? Let’s dig into the history to find out why.
Today, there are over 45,000 species of spiders responsible for an estimated 25 million tons of cobwebs around the world. It is estimated that one cubic meter of a residential house can contain more than 1,000 cobwebs.
So, why is it called a cobweb? Read on to find out more.
Why Is It Called a Cobweb?
Have you ever noticed the intricate web that spiders spin? These webs bear an uncanny resemblance to lace made from delicate wire and thus have captivated humans since the dawn of time.But why is it called a cobweb? In this article, we try to answer that question and explore the origin of this fascinating term.
Spiders construct their webs with the assistance of fine silk that adheres easily to flat surfaces. This gluey thread is trailed by the spinner and wound in an exaggerated spiral.
But why is it called a cobweb?
Origin:
Historically, the name cobweb was used to denote various kinds of fabric and yarn. In Old English, the word was “cof” which eventually became “cob.” “Cob” was later used to describe a tangled skein of yarn. The same word was also used for spider webs because of their alike visual similarity.
Why Are They Called Cobwebs?
The webs have been given the name cobwebs because of their tangled-up appearance. These webs look like intricate laces or yarn knitted together to form a design.This is why cobweb is popularly used as a word to describe something disordered or unkempt.