tergal

American  

[tur-guhl] / ˈtɜr gəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the tergum.

---

Other Word Forms

• intertergal adjective

Etymology

Origin of tergal

First recorded in 1855–60; terg(um) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

When a male roach targets a female roach, he will back up to her, secreting a solution called a nuptial gift from the tergal gland under his wings.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2023

B, Dorsal view of the opisthosoma of the same. pregen, The prae-genital somite. p, The tergal stigmata of the tergo-sternal muscles. paf, Post-anal segmented filament corresponding to the post-anal spine of Limulus.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3 "Apollodorus" to "Aral" by Various

A, Lateral view with appendages III to VI removed; 1, plate covering the whole dorsal area, representing the fused tergal sclerites of the prosoma and opisthosoma; 2, similarly-formed ventral plate; 3, tracheal stigma.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 3 "Apollodorus" to "Aral" by Various

The tergal elements of the somites bearing the antennae, mandibles and maxillae appear to be represented by the head-shield or cephalite.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various

Its tergal plate is usually retained, but its sternal plate is generally suppressed.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various