Illustration of centipede
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd 
: any of a class (Chilopoda) of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web America's rarest snake found dead after choking on giant centipede. 
Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2022 The centipede represents technology - both the life giving-force and the dangers of it, the juxtaposition of dark and light. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 12 May 2022 Bay to Breakers also features a centipede division: teams of 13 or more runners that run the full 12K course as a unit, usually linked by a bungee cord. Molly Hanson, Outside Online, 25 Jan. 2022 The number of legs on a centipede varies from 30 to 354. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2021 For lawn grasses that can be seeded, such as common bermuda, seed grow cultivars of bermuda and centipede, the time to do this is when the weather warms up in April or May. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 3 Feb. 2021 In it, Gan, a young man on an unnamed planet, must decide whether to allow himself to be impregnated by his family’s alien patron, a velvety centipede-like being with a stinging tail named T’Gatoi. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2021 Bermuda is easier and faster to grow a lawn from seeds than centipede. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 28 Oct. 2020 Atrazine is labeled for use on centipede and St. Augustine lawns. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 30 Dec. 2020 See More
Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2022 The centipede represents technology - both the life giving-force and the dangers of it, the juxtaposition of dark and light. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 12 May 2022 Bay to Breakers also features a centipede division: teams of 13 or more runners that run the full 12K course as a unit, usually linked by a bungee cord. Molly Hanson, Outside Online, 25 Jan. 2022 The number of legs on a centipede varies from 30 to 354. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2021 For lawn grasses that can be seeded, such as common bermuda, seed grow cultivars of bermuda and centipede, the time to do this is when the weather warms up in April or May. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 3 Feb. 2021 In it, Gan, a young man on an unnamed planet, must decide whether to allow himself to be impregnated by his family’s alien patron, a velvety centipede-like being with a stinging tail named T’Gatoi. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2021 Bermuda is easier and faster to grow a lawn from seeds than centipede. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 28 Oct. 2020 Atrazine is labeled for use on centipede and St. Augustine lawns. Dan Gill, NOLA.com, 30 Dec. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin centipeda, from centi- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot
First Known Use
1601, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede ˈsen-tə-ˌpēd
: an animal that is an arthropod with a long somewhat flattened body with one pair of legs on most of its many body sections
Medical Definition
centipede
noun
cen·ti·pede ˈsent-ə-ˌpēd
: any member of the class Chilopoda of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods with each segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs