1 arthropleura | Definition of arthropleura

Arthropleura

noun
Ar·​thro·​pleu·​ra | \ ˌär-thrə-ˈplu̇r-ə How to pronounce Arthropleura (audio) \

Definition of Arthropleura

: 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

First Known Use of Arthropleura

1862, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Arthropleura

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”

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