Multilegged: meaning, definitions and examples
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multilegged
[ ˌmʌltiˈlɛɡd ]
biological description
Multilegged refers to an organism, particularly invertebrates, that possesses multiple legs. This term is often used to describe creatures such as insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. The presence of multiple legs aids in locomotion and can serve various functions such as grasping or swimming.
Synonyms
many-legged, poly-legged.
Examples of usage
- The multilegged centipede scurried across the floor.
- Many multilegged creatures have adapted to survive in diverse environments.
- I saw a multilegged insect crawling on the wall.
- The ocean is home to many multilegged species, like crabs and shrimp.
Etymology
The term 'multilegged' is a compound word formed from the prefix 'multi-', meaning many, and the root word 'leg', which comes from Old English 'lǽg' or 'lǽgian', referring to a limb or appendage used for support and movement. The prefix 'multi-' is derived from Latin 'multus', which means 'many' or 'much'. The concept of multilegged organisms primarily relates to their biological classification in taxonomy, where these creatures are grouped based on their physical attributes, such as having multiple limbs, which play crucial roles in their survival and environmental interactions. The study of multilegged creatures has contributed significantly to our understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary processes.