Arthropleura

noun

Ar·​thro·​pleu·​ra ˌär-thrə-ˈplu̇r-ə 

: a genus of very large, extinct arthropods (class Arthropleuridea of the subphylum Myriapoda) that are related to the centipedes and millipedes, that lived during the Carboniferous period, and that are known to have reached a length of over 6.5 feet (2.0 meters) long

Despite dry conditions, there must have been sufficient vegetation to support giant detritivores such as Arthropleura, whose existence is indicated by common trackways on river channel levees.

—H. J. Falcon-Lang et al., Journal of the Geological Society, May 2006

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from arthro- arthro- + -pleura, feminine of -pleuros "having sides (of the kind specified)," derivative of pleurá "rib," pleuraí (plural) "side, flank"

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!