scolopendra means A mythical sea-creature, reputed to be able to disgorge its bowels to dislodge any fishing-hook.
Etymology
From Latin scolopendra, from Ancient Greek σκολόπενδρα (skolópendra).
noun
- A mythical sea-creature, reputed to be able to disgorge its bowels to dislodge any fishing-hook.“Spring-headed Hydraes, and sea-shouldring Whales, / Great whirlpooles, which all fishes make to flee, / Bright Scolopendraes, arm'd with siluer scales, / Mighty Monoceroses, with immeasured tayles.”
- A centipede of the genus Scolopendra.“This led the conversation to the insects of the Crimea and Ukraine, of which I had made a considerable collection, and the Emperor inquired of me if there were scorpions, scolopendras and tarantulas in the Crimea.”