Scolopendromorph
/ˌskɒl.əˈpɛn.drə.mɔːrf/noun
A centipede belonging to, or resembling a member of, the order Scolopendromorpha.
Did you know?The first half comes from Ancient Greek skolopendra, an ancient name for a many-legged creature, while morphē means “form” or “shape”—the same root behind Morpheus, the god of dreams.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
skolopendra
“A centipede or similar many-legged creature; the exact ancient animal reference is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
morphē
“Form, shape, or appearance.”
18th Century
New Latin
Scolopendra
“The zoological genus name for large centipedes.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Scolopendromorpha
“A taxonomic order of centipedes, formed from Scolopendra plus Greek morphē, “form.””
Modern English
English
scolopendromorph
“A member of the Scolopendromorpha or something resembling one.”
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