Centipede Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆต
centipede
[หsษntฬฌษชpiหd ]
Definition
animal species
A centipede is a land-dwelling arthropod belonging to the class Chilopoda, which is characterized by having a long, segmented body and multiple pairs of legs. Typically, centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, though the number of legs can vary among species. They are primarily nocturnal predators, feeding on insects and other small animals. Centipedes are known for their rapid movement and venomous bite, which they use to subdue their prey.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The centipede scurried across the floor.
- We found a centipede hiding under the stone.
- Centipedes can be found in various habitats around the world.
- The venom of some centipede species can be quite painful.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- Centipedes are carnivorous, using venom in their bite to subdue prey like insects and spiders.
- They have a unique respiratory system, breathing through openings called spiracles along their sides.
- Despite having many legs, centipedes are not insects; they belong to a different class called myriapods.
Habitat
- Centipedes can be found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in a variety of environments like forests, deserts, and caves.
- Most prefer humid environments and can often be found hiding under leaves, stones, or in soil.
Cultural References
- In many cultures, centipedes are seen as symbols of resilience and adaptability due to their survival in various habitats.
- They have appeared in popular culture, including cartoons and folklore, often depicted as creepy crawlers in stories.
Ecological Role
- Centipedes play an essential role in ecosystems by controlling pest populations as natural predators.
- They help in the decomposition process, breaking down organic matter, which enriches the soil.
Origin of 'centipede'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'centipede' comes from Latin, where 'centi-' means hundred and 'pedo' means foot, even though they don't really have a hundred feet.
- Different species of centipedes have varying numbers of legs, usually ranging from 15 to 177 pairs, depending on their type.
The word 'centipede' comes from the Latin 'centipeda', which means 'hundred-footed', derived from 'centum' meaning 'hundred' and 'pes' or 'pedis' meaning 'foot'. This term was likely coined due to the numerous legs these creatures possess, although the number of legs can vary significantly among different species, typically ranging from around 30 to 354 pairs. It is important to note that centipedes do not actually have exactly 100 legs; rather, the name is a reference to their many limbs. The use of 'centi-' in the word is often associated with the concept of a hundred in the metric system, as seen in other terms such as centenary and centurion, even though in this case it serves more as an impression of multitude rather than a strict count. Centipedes have intrigued humans for centuries, with their peculiar appearance and habits leading to various myths and stories across different cultures.