Scolopendrine
/ˌskɒləˈpɛndrɪn/noun
Relating to or resembling a scolopendra, especially a centipede or the fern genus Scolopendrium.
Did you know?The root refers to the scolopendra, a centipede, and later became a scientific name for the hart’s-tongue fern because its fronds were thought to resemble the creature.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*skel-
“To cut, split, or cleave; a proposed ancestral root connected with sharp or divided forms.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
skōlópendra
“A scolopendra or centipede, associated with its numerous segmented legs and possibly a thorn-like appearance.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
scolopendra
“A centipede; the Greek zoological name borrowed into Latin.”
16th Century
New Latin
Scolopendrium
“A botanical genus of ferns, named after the centipede because of the appearance of its fronds.”
17th Century
English
scolopendrine
“Relating to a scolopendra or resembling a centipede.”
Modern English
English
scolopendrine
“Pertaining to scolopendras, centipedes, or the related fern genus.”