Definition: Arachnids are tiny, eight-legged animals that include spiders, scorpions, and some insects. They live in a variety of environments, including soil, wood, and water. Arachnids are closely related to the phascolarians, which includes spiders and centipedes. The word "arachnoidean" comes from the Greek words "arakhnos," meaning "eight-legged," and "idosis," meaning "to be."