ˈsentəˌpēd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin centipeda, from centi- + -peda (from ped-, pes foot) — more at foot
1. : any of various flattened elongated arthropods constituting the class Chilopoda, having a single posterior genital aperture and the body divided into a number of segments each bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into poison fangs, and being active, predaceous, and chiefly nocturnal animals useful as destroyers of noxious insects — compare millipede
2. : a rope with short crosspieces that runs the length of a jib boom and is used in stowing jibs in port