Scolopendra
/ˌskɒləˈpɛndrə/noun
A genus of large, venomous centipedes with elongated bodies and numerous pairs of legs.
Did you know?Ancient Greek scolopendra referred not only to a centipede-like creature but also to certain marine animals, reflecting the Greeks’ broad and sometimes fluid animal classifications.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*skel-
“A reconstructed root associated with cutting, splitting, or separating; its connection to the Greek animal name is traditionally proposed but not completely certain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σκολόπενδρα (skolópೇಂದ್ರa)
“A centipede or similar many-legged creature; the form is associated with the thorn- or stake-like word skolops.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
scolopendra
“A centipede; also used in ancient zoological writing for certain marine creatures.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
scolopendra
“A centipede, especially a large or venomous one.”
Modern English
English
scolopendra
“The zoological genus name for large centipedes, including the giant centipede.”