Meanings
nounmaxilliped (plural maxillipeds)
plural maxillipeds · alternative maxillipede
- One of the appendages on the heads of centipedes and some crustaceans behind the maxillae, used for feeding. The maxillipeds, known as forcipules, give centipedes their scientific name, Chilopoda (lip-foot).
Flattened carapace and claws, and large modified maxillipeds used to gather planktonic food.
2001, Julian Sprung, Invertebrates: A Quick Reference Guide, page 164
Synonyms & antonyms
nounOne of a set of three paired appendages on the thorax of a decapod crustacean, located just posterior to the maxillae and used in feeding.
Similar
Broader
Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.
Origin
Translations
Polish szczękonóże
- szczękonóżeappendage
Portuguese maxilípede
- maxilípedeappendage
Spanish maxilípedo
- maxilípedoappendage
Cite this entry
APA
maxilliped. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/maxilliped
MLA
“maxilliped.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/maxilliped. Accessed November 2, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “maxilliped,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/maxilliped.
Source: maxilliped on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.