Scolopendrite
/ˌskɒl.əˈpɛn.draɪt/noun
A fossil or mineral resembling a scolopendra, especially one marked like the body segments of a centipede.
Did you know?The name ultimately invokes the scolopendra, the ancient Greek and Latin term for a large centipede-like creature whose bite was feared for its venom.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
σκολόπενδρα (skolópประndra)
“Scolopendra; a centipede or centipede-like creature”
Classical Latin
Latin
scolopendra
“A scolopendra or centipede; also used for certain sea creatures”
Medieval Latin
Latin
scolopendrite
“A fossil or stone resembling a scolopendra”
17th Century
English
scolopendrite
“A fossil resembling a centipede, recorded in early scientific and mineralogical vocabulary”
Modern English
English
scolopendrite
“A fossil or mineral with a centipede-like form or markings”
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