cephalothorax

[ sef-uh-loh-thawr-aks, -thohr- ]

noun

, Zoology.

, plural ceph·a·lo·tho·rax·es, ceph·a·lo·tho·ra·ces [sef-, uh, -loh-, thawr, -, uh, -seez, -, thohr, -].

1. the anterior part of the body in certain arachnids and crustaceans, consisting of the coalesced head and thorax.

cephalothorax

/ ˌsɛfələʊθəˈræsɪk; ˌsɛfələʊˈθɔːræks /

noun

1. the anterior part of many crustaceans and some other arthropods consisting of a united head and thorax

cephalothorax

/ sĕf′ə-lə-thôr′ăks′ /

1. The combined head and thorax of arachnids, such as spiders, and of many crustaceans, such as crabs.

Derived Forms

• cephalothoracic, adjective

Other Words From

• ceph·a·lo·tho·rac·ic [sef-, uh, -loh-th, uh, -, ras, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cephalothorax¹

First recorded in 1825–35; cephalo- + thorax

Example Sentences

"The abdomen and cephalothorax of spiders are closely attached, while in ants the equivalent of these body parts are separated by a narrow segment called the petiole," Poinar said.

From Science Daily

Spiders have a two-part body that resembles a figure eight: a fused head and thorax called a cephalothorax, separated from an abdomen by a narrow constriction.

From New York Times

The cephalothorax and abdomen together are five feet long.

From New York Times

C, carapace covering the cephalothorax.

From Project Gutenberg

In the smallest spiders, Dr. Eberhard and his colleagues found, the central nervous systems filled nearly 80 percent of the cephalothorax, or body cavity, including 25 percent of the legs.

From New York Times