centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd 

: any of a class (Chilopoda) of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs

Illustration of centipede

Examples of centipede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Arthropods are invertebrate animals that today include insects, spiders, crustaceans, centipedes and millipedes—and Lomankus edgecombei belonged to an extinct subgroup of these creatures called megacheirans. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

There are centipedes that crawl across the screen, accompanied by the subtle, chilling sound of one hundred legs moving. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2024

Burrows are also known among birds, crustaceans, centipedes and millipedes, and certain vertebrates like alligators and lizards. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

Scientists hadn’t been sure whether to place it among the millipedes or the centipedes. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin centipeda, from centi- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd 

: any of a class of long flattened arthropods that have many segments with each segment having one pair of legs except for the first segment which has a pair of poison fangs compare millipede

Etymology

from Latin centipeda "centipede," from centi- "hundred" and -peda, from ped-, pes "foot" — related to pedestrian

Medical Definition

centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd 

: any member of the class Chilopoda of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs