Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

metathorax

[met-uh-thawr-aks, -thohr-]
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.
Show More

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
Show More
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