Centipede: meaning, definitions and examples
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centipede
[ ˈsɛnt̬ɪpiːd ]
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
Translations of the word "centipede" in other languages:
🇵🇹 centopeia
🇮🇳 सौ-पैरिया (sau-pairiya)
🇩🇪 Einsiedlerkrebs
🇮🇩 kadal centipede
🇺🇦 сотняк
🇵🇱 stonoga
🇯🇵 ムカデ (mukade)
🇫🇷 mille-pattes
🇪🇸 ciempiés
🇹🇷 kırkayak
🇰🇷 지네 (jine)
🇸🇦 عقرب الأرض (aqrab al'ard)
🇨🇿 stonožka
🇸🇰 stonôžka
🇨🇳 蜈蚣 (wúgōng)
🇸🇮 stožer
🇮🇸 fótgöngum
🇰🇿 жүз аяқ
🇬🇪 მილპენი (milp'eni)
🇦🇿 süzan
🇲🇽 ciempiés
Word origin
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.