Epimorphic

/ˌɛpɪˈmɔrfɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or showing characteristics of growth through the addition of new body segments or parts at the growing end.

Etymology

From Greek epi- (upon) + morphe (form) + -ic (adjective suffix). Describes the developmental strategy of segment-adding organisms.

Kelly Says

Centipedes and millipedes are epimorphic animals—they literally just keep adding legs and body segments as they grow, which is why their names refer to the number of feet or segments.

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