CultureAugust 9, 2026

centipedean

sen-ti-PEE-dee-un

Definition

Relating to or resembling a centipede, particularly in having many legs, being multi-segmented, or moving in a complex, undulating fashion.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'centipeda,' meaning 'hundred-footed,' combining 'centum' (hundred) and 'pes/pedis' (foot).

In the news

In the context of hard science fiction, the term is used to describe alien biological structures or spacecraft designs that feature numerous, repeating segments or appendages similar to the creature.

‘Project Hail Mary’ as Hard Science Fiction: How the Recent Hit (and the Book It’s Based On) Follows a Venerable Science Fiction Tradition

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High On Films

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