chilopod: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Proficient User - Technical/Scientific)Technical/Scientific (Zoology, Entomology, Biology); occasionally in formal naturalist writing.
Quick answer
What does “chilopod” mean?
A myriapod arthropod of the class Chilopoda, comprising centipedes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A myriapod arthropod of the class Chilopoda, comprising centipedes.
Any elongated, predatory arthropod with numerous legs, one pair per body segment, possessing venomous claws (forcipules) derived from modified front legs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical; no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in academic zoological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “chilopod” in a Sentence
The [adjective] chilopod [verb, e.g., hunts, burrows].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chilopod” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- chilopodan anatomy
American English
- chilopod characteristics
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology/biology papers and textbooks to classify organisms precisely. e.g., 'The specimen was identified as a chilopod of the order Scolopendromorpha.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Centipede' is universal.
Technical
The precise taxonomic term for the class. Used in keys, descriptions, and phylogenetic discussions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chilopod”
- Confusing 'chilopod' (centipedes) with 'diplopod' (millipedes).
- Using in everyday conversation where 'centipede' is appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'chelopod' (which refers to clawed limbs in other arthropods).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is the formal, scientific class name. All centipedes are chilopods, and 'chilopod' is used primarily in technical contexts.
Chilopods (centipedes) have one pair of legs per body segment, are carnivorous, and have venom claws. Diplopods (millipedes) have two pairs of legs per segment and are mostly herbivores or detritivores.
Yes, often in more general discussion or when communicating with non-specialists. 'Chilopod' is used for precise classification and in formal taxonomy.
The first syllable sounds like 'kye' (as in 'sky'). UK: /ˈkʌɪləpɒd/. US: /ˈkaɪləˌpɑːd/.
A myriapod arthropod of the class Chilopoda, comprising centipedes.
Chilopod is usually technical/scientific (zoology, entomology, biology); occasionally in formal naturalist writing. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHIef LO-POD (chief of the footed ones) – the centipede is a leading predator among many-legged creatures.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following organisms is a chilopod?