centipede

noun

cen·​ti·​pede ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd How to pronounce centipede (audio)
: 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

Illustration of centipede

Examples of centipede in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for centipede 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of centipede was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near centipede

Cite this Entry

“Centipede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centipede. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

centipede

noun
cen·​ti·​pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd How to pronounce centipede (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce centipede (audio)
: 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

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