biped
UK: ˈbaɪ.ped | US: ˈbaɪ.ped
n. an animal with two feet
The word "biped" combines the Latin prefix "bi-" (meaning "two") and the root "ped" (from Latin "pes, pedis," meaning "foot"). This logical construction directly describes a creature that walks on two feet, contrasting with terms like "quadruped" (four-footed) or "triped" (rare, three-footed). The morphemes preserve their original Latin spellings, making the word easily analyzable for learners.
Humans are classified as bipeds due to their upright posture.
The ostrich is the fastest-running biped on land.
Ancient fossils suggest some dinosaurs evolved from quadrupeds to bipeds.
Robots designed as bipeds often mimic human locomotion.
The biomechanics of bipeds differ significantly from four-legged animals.