prosternum

[ proh-stur-nuhm ]

noun

, plural pro·ster·na [proh-, stur, -n, uh], pro·ster·nums.

1. the ventral sclerite of the prothorax of an insect.

prosternum

/ prəʊˈstɜːnəm /

noun

1. the sternum of the prothorax of an insect

Other Words From

• pro·sternal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosternum¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1820–30; pro- ¹, sternum

Example Sentences

The Naucoridae and Belostomatidae are flattened insects, with four-segmented feelers and fore-legs inserted at the front of the prosternum.

From Project Gutenberg

By means of the oar-like hind-legs they swim actively through the water with the ventral surface upwards; the fore-legs are inserted at the hinder edge of the prosternum.

From Project Gutenberg

The prosternum is very large, subtriangular, concealing the insertion of the cox�, and extending over the front part of the mesosternum, as does this over the front of the metasternum.

From Project Gutenberg

Dorsal view of a male with the appendages cut short. a, Prosternum of prosoma. b, Metasternum of prosoma. prae-gen, The prae-genital somite.

From Project Gutenberg

Sternal elements of prosoma almost entirely absent, traces of a prosternum and metasternum alone remaining.

From Project Gutenberg