mesothorax

[ mez-uh-thawr-aks, -thohr-, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh- ]

noun

, plural mes·o·tho·rax·es, mes·o·tho·ra·ces [mez-, uh, -, thawr, -, uh, -seez, -, thohr, -, mes-, mee-z, uh, -, -s, uh, -].

1. the middle segment of the three divisions of the thorax of an insect, bearing the second pair of legs and the first pair of wings.

mesothorax

/ ˌmɛsəʊˈθɔːræks; ˌmɛsəʊθɔːˈræsɪk /

noun

1. the middle segment of the thorax of an insect, bearing the second pair of walking legs and the first pair of wings See also prothorax metathorax

Derived Forms

• mesothoracic, adjective

Other Words From

• mes·o·tho·rac·ic [mez-, uh, -thaw-, ras, -ik, -thoh-, mes-, mee-z, uh, -, -s, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesothorax¹

First recorded in 1820–30; meso- + thorax

Example Sentences

Mesothorax: e, Prescutum. f, Scutum. g, Scutellum. h, Post-scutellum. i, Mesophragma. j, Epimeron. k, Episternum. l, Coxa of middle leg.

From Project Gutenberg

Wings.—Two pairs of wings are present in the vast majority of insects, borne respectively on the mesothorax and metathorax.

From Project Gutenberg

Prothorax small, and united to mesothorax.

From Project Gutenberg

Prothorax small, intimately united to mesothorax.

From Project Gutenberg

Another disadvantage of these volatile substances is that if used in too large quantities they will, in delicate specimens, especially beetles, cause an extension of the soft ligaments between the head and prothorax or between the latter and the mesothorax, and thus bring the specimen into an unnatural position, or cause the head, or head and thorax to drop off.

From Project Gutenberg