myriapod

or myr·i·o·pod

[ mir-ee-uh-pod ]

noun

1. any arthropod of the group Myriapoda, having an elongated segmented body with numerous paired, jointed legs, formerly classified as a class comprising the centipedes and millipedes.

adjective

1. Also myr·i·ap·o·dous [] belonging or pertaining to the myriapods.
2. having very numerous legs.

myriapod

/ ˈmɪrɪəˌpɒd; ˌmɪrɪˈæpədən /

noun

1. any terrestrial arthropod of the group Myriapoda, having a long segmented body and many walking limbs: includes the centipedes and millipedes

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Myriapoda

myriapod

/ mĭr′ē-ə-pŏd′ /

1. Any of various arthropods belonging to several closely related groups, having long segmented bodies, one pair of antennae, and at least nine pairs of legs. Centipedes and millipedes are myriapods.

Derived Forms

• ˌmyriˈapodous, adjective
• myriapodan, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of myriapod¹

From the New Latin word Myriapoda, dating back to 1820–30. See myria-, -pod

Word History and Origins

Origin of myriapod¹

C19: from New Latin Myriapoda. See myriad , -pod

Example Sentences

Although they have fourteen legs, don’t confuse them for myriapods.

From Science News For Students

In his first article he mistakes a species of the myriapod genus Glomeris for the isopod genus Armadillo.

From Project Gutenberg

Myriapod, mir′i-a-pod, (more correctly) Myr′iopod, n. a worm-shaped animal with many-jointed legs.

From Project Gutenberg

In Geophilus electricus, another myriapod, they certainly do not exist.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Myriapod we still have the elongated body and successive pairs of legs.

From Project Gutenberg