centipede

American  

[sen-tuh-peed] / ˈsɛn təˌpid /

noun

1. 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.

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centipede British  

/ ˈsɛntɪˌpiːd /

noun

1. 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

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centipede Scientific  

/ sĕn′tə-pēd′ /

1. 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.

2. Compare millipede

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Other Word Forms

• centipedal adjective

Etymology

Origin of centipede

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

Compare meaning

How does centipede compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• centipede vs. millipede

Explanation

A centipede is a poisonous bug with many tiny legs. If you can bring yourself to look closely at a centipede, you'll see its body is divided into segments, each having one pair of legs. Most people assume that centipedes are insects, but they're actually arthropods, tiny invertebrate animals with exoskeletons and segmented bodies — and a seriously squicky number of legs. The profusion of little legs is what gives the centipede its name; the Latin is centipeda, "many-footed arthropod," from centum, "hundred," and pedis, "foot." Despite their name, centipedes can have anywhere from 30 to over 300 legs.

Example Sentences

Since replacing windows can cost enough arms and legs to make a human centipede, it’s worth looking into adding interior insulating layers to your existing windows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

The mamma centipede may have a face like a David Cronenberg nightmare, but she's a devoted parent, curling around the wriggly bits of multi-legged spaghetti she calls her offspring to protect them.

From Salon • May 11, 2025

And despite having an elaborate, curling centipede inked on his face and neck, he’s crestfallen that Bailey would let a friend cut off her locks before the big day.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2024

The museum’s website lists Prendini as the curator of its spider, scorpion, centipede and millipede collections.

From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024

Now whenever trouble is coming, Tatica feels a glimmer of the old burning in the centipede trail on her belly.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

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