sciapod

English

Etymology

Back-formation from Sciapodes.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈsʌɪəpɒd/

Noun

sciapod (plural sciapods)

1. (Greek mythology) A member of a mythical race of humans living in Africa, who have one single, large foot which they use to shade themselves from the rays of the sun. [from 19th c.]
   • 2012, Simon Garfield, On the Map, Profile Books, page 48:

     To the modern viewer, though, it is the weirdness that most enthrals: the rich, demonic and comical features, like the sciapod – a man deploying his single swollen foot to shield himself from the sun.

Translations

a member of a mythical African race, who have a single, large foot

• Portuguese: ciápode m

Anagrams

• Capoids, Picados