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Definition of millipede

millipede

/ˈmɪl.ə.piːd/
mil · li · pede
Plural:millipedes
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millipede Lexical Profile

millipede Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A slow-moving terrestrial arthropod of the class Diplopoda, characterized by a long cylindrical body divided into numerous segments, most of which bear two pairs of legs, commonly found in damp, decaying leaf litter or soil.

Example

"When threatened by a predator, the millipede curled tightly into a defensive spiral to protect its soft underbelly."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for millipede

Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with the centipede, the millipede can be distinguished by having two pairs of legs per body segment rather than one, and by its generally slower, detritivorous nature.

• Nearby Words

millionairess
millionfold
millionth
millipede
millisecond
millpond
millstone

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from the Latin 'mille' (thousand) and 'pes, pedis' (foot), referring to their numerous legs.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Millipede. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/millipede
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