\Myr`i*ap"o*da\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? numberless +
-poda.] (Zo["o]l.)
A class, or subclass, of arthropods, related to the hexapod
insects, from which they differ in having the body made up of
numerous similar segments, nearly all of which bear true
jointed legs. They have one pair of antenn[ae], three pairs
of mouth organs, and numerous tracha[ae], similar to those of
true insects. The larv[ae], when first hatched, often have
but three pairs of legs. See {Centiped}, {Galleyworm},
{Milliped}.
Note: The existing Myriapoda are divided into three orders:
      Chilopoda, Chilognatha or Diplopoda, and Pauropoda (see
      these words in the Vocabulary). Large fossil species
      (very different from any living forms) are found in the
      Carboniferous formation.