centipede

[ sen-tuh-peed ]
/ ˈsɛn təˌpid /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR centipede ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

any of numerous predaceous, chiefly nocturnal arthropods constituting the class Chilopoda, having an elongated, flattened body composed of from 15 to 173 segments, each with a pair of legs, the first pair being modified into poison fangs.

Origin of centipede

From the Latin word centipeda, dating back to 1595–1605. See centi-, -pede

OTHER WORDS FROM centipede

cen·tip·e·dal [sen-tip-i-dl, sen-tuh-peed-l] /sɛnˈtɪp ɪ dl, ˌsɛn təˈpid l/, adjective

Words nearby centipede

centimetre, centimetre-gram-second, centimo, centimorgan, centinormal, centipede, centipede grass, centipoise, centistere, centistoke, centner

Words related to centipede

insect, rodent, ant, mosquito, flea, maggot, worm, fly, rat, snake, weasel, termite, lice, foxes, bedbug, mice, caterpillar, entozoon

Example sentences from the Web for centipede

British Dictionary definitions for centipede

centipede
/ (ˈsɛntɪˌpiːd) /

noun

any carnivorous arthropod of the genera Lithobius, Scutigera, etc, having a body of between 15 and 190 segments, each bearing one pair of legs: class Chilopoda See also myriapod

Scientific definitions for centipede

centipede
[ sĕn′tə-pēd′ ]

Any of various flattened, wormlike arthropods of the class Chilopoda, whose bodies are divided into many segments, each with one pair of legs. The front legs are modified into venomous pincers used to catch prey. Compare millipede.