chilopoda Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun arthropods having the trunk composed of numerous somites each bearing one pair of legs: centipedes
class Chilopoda.

NL., fr. Gr. lip + -poda.

(Zoöl.) One of the orders of myriapods, including the centipeds. They have a single pair of elongated legs attached laterally to each segment; well developed jaws; and a pair of thoracic legs converted into poison fangs. They are insectivorous, very active, and some species grow to the length of a foot.