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metathorax

[met-uh-thawr-aks, -thohr-]
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noun, plural met·a·tho·rax·es, met·a·tho·ra·ces [met-uh-thawr-uh-seez, -thohr-] /ˌmɛt əˈθɔr əˌsiz, -ˈθoʊr-/.
  1. the posterior division of the thorax of an insect, bearing the third pair of legs and the second pair of wings.
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Origin of metathorax

First recorded in 1810–20; meta- + thorax
Related formsmet·a·tho·rac·ic [met-uh-thaw-ras-ik, -thoh-] /ˌmɛt ə θɔˈræs ɪk, -θoʊ-/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for metathorax

Historical Examples

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

    An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4)

    William Kirby

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

  • "And metathorax," chimed in the frump, her head close to his.

    The Haunted Pajamas

    Francis Perry Elliott

  • Prothoracic segment a little longer than the mesothorax which, in turn, slightly exceeds the metathorax.

  • The ventral part of this segment is dovetailed into the ventral part of the metathorax and appears to be part of it.

British Dictionary definitions for metathorax

metathorax

noun plural -raxes or -races (-rəˌsiːz)
  1. the third and last segment of an insect's thorax, which bears the third pair of walking legs and the second pair of wingsSee also prothorax, mesothorax
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Derived Formsmetathoracic (ˌmɛtəθɔːˈræsɪk), adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012