From Greek 'kentauros,' of uncertain origin — possibly 'kentein' (to goad) + 'tauros' (bull): horseback cattle-herders.
A creature from Greek mythology with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse.
From Latin 'centaurus,' from Greek 'kentauros,' of disputed etymology. The most widely held explanation parses the word as 'kentein' (to prick, to goad, to spur on) + 'tauros' (bull), making centaurs literally 'bull-goaders' or 'those who drive cattle.' On this reading, the Centaurs were originally a tribe of Thessalian horseback herders who drove cattle — a practice that to non-riding peoples made horse and rider appear fused. The alternative theory connects 'kento-' to 'kentron' (a sharp point, a sting) and proposes 'those who shoot arrows' or '