Meanings
plural spider straps
- A system of connected straps (for example on luggage or for equine use).
- in pluralemergency medicineOne of a ten-armed system of straps used by responders in backboard immobilization.
"SPIDER STRAPS" provide a very quick and efficient way to secure a patient to a long backboard.
1995, Nancy L. Caroline, Nancy L. Caroline, Emergency care in the streets, link2 more examples
She secured the straps, pulling them tight to let the weight settle to her shoulder and back muscles. Fanning the spider straps of the face mask, she took a deep breath and donned it chin first, then straps at the neck, temple,
2005, Dee Henderson, The Protector, link“Hey,” Beverly said, looking with dismay at the spider straps that secured Frankie to the backboard. “Dr. Bower, how can I get an EKG with him strapped down?”
2009, Sacred Trust, page 152
Origin
From the resemblance to a spider's many legs.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
spider strap. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spider%20strap
“spider strap.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spider%20strap. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “spider strap,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/spider%20strap.
Source: spider strap on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.