metathorax

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

noun

plural

metathoraxes, metathoraces 

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

Other Word Forms

• metathoracic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metathorax¹

First recorded in 1810–20; meta- + thorax

Example Sentences

But the loudest and most remarkable vocal organs of all insects are those of the male cicads, which “sing” by the rapid vibration of a pair of “drums” or membranes within the metathorax.

From Project Gutenberg

Metathorax: m, Scutum. o, Epimeron. p, Coxa of hind leg. n, First Abdominal Segment. t, Tegula at base of fore-wing.

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

First abdominal segment united to metathorax.

From Project Gutenberg

Metathorax, met-a-thō′raks, n. the third segment of an insect's thorax.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg