MILLEPED

Definition

MILLEPED A thousand-legs; a myriapod of the suborder Chilognatha or Diplopoda: so called from the very numerous feet, though these are not nearly a thousand in number. The feet are about twice as numerous as those of the similar creatures called centipeds, there being two pairs instead of one pair to most of the segments; the legs are also shorter, and (the body is harder and more cylindrical. Millepeds are found in water, and in wet or damp places beneath logs, stones, etc. Unlike some of the centipeds, all are quite harmless animals. Some of the commonest belong to the family Julidæ, as Julus sabulosus. The tufted millepeds are Polyxenidæ; the false millepeds, Polydesmidæ. Pill-millepeds belong to the family Glomeridæ; they are comparatively short and stout, and can roll themselves up into a ball, like the wood-lice of the genus Armadillo. See Chilognatha, and cuts under Myriapoda and thousand-legs.

Word Analysis

• Part of Speech: Verb (past tense or past participle)
• Word Length: 8 letters
• Pronunciation: Pronounced as written, following standard English pronunciation patterns.

Usage and Context

The word MILLEPED can be used in various contexts in written and spoken English. As a valid Scrabble word, it represents a legitimate part of the English lexicon. Understanding words like this helps expand vocabulary and appreciation for the diversity and richness of the English language.

Learning Tip

Many words in the Scrabble dictionary originate from specialized fields (such as science, medicine, geography), historical periods, or other languages. Learning these words helps you understand how English has evolved over time and continues to incorporate new terms from around the world. Words like MILLEPED demonstrate the complexity and richness of English vocabulary.