metathorax

[ met-uh-thawr-aks, -thohr- ]

noun

, plural met·a·tho·rax·es, met·a·tho·ra·ces [met-, uh, -, thawr, -, uh, -seez, -, thohr, -].

1. the posterior division of the thorax of an insect, bearing the third pair of legs and the second pair of wings.

metathorax

/ ˌmɛtəˈθɔːræks; ˌmɛtəθɔːˈræsɪk /

noun

1. the third and last segment of an insect's thorax, which bears the third pair of walking legs and the second pair of wings See also prothorax mesothorax

Derived Forms

• metathoracic, adjective

Other Words From

• met·a·tho·rac·ic [met-, uh, -thaw-, ras, -ik, -thoh-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metathorax¹

First recorded in 1810–20; meta- + thorax

Example Sentences

The 17 prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax bear spines varying in number.

From Project Gutenberg

The metathorax, or last segment of the thorax, is a little larger still in diameter and protrudes.

From Project Gutenberg

Thorax narrow, deeply strangulated at the base of the metathorax.

From Project Gutenberg

The upper side of this is the metathorax, and its lower side the postpectus.

From Project Gutenberg

The metathorax bears the hind pair of wings and the third pair of legs.

From Project Gutenberg