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.
Arthropleura displays an odd mix of anatomical details found today in millipedes (order Diplopoda, characterized by having two pairs of jointed legs on most segments and a worm-like body and head) and centipedes (Chilopoda, with only one pair of legs per segment and a flattened body). David Bressan, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Spiders, ticks, centipedes, snakes, salamanders and rodents are among the many creatures that can flourish in leaf piles. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 6 Oct. 2024 One of the most prevalent diseases in warm season grasses such as centipede, zoysia, and St. Augustine is large patch (Rhizoctonia solani). Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2024 Described this way, Rejection sounds unbearable, a human centipede of misery crossed with a brain worm becoming an Ouroboros. Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 10 Sep. 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 28 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

More from Merriam-Webster on centipede

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