metathorax

American  

[met-uh-thawr-aks, -thohr-] / ˌmɛt əˈθɔr æks, -ˈθoʊr- /

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.

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metathorax British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• metathoracic adjective

Etymology

Origin of metathorax

First recorded in 1810–20; meta- + thorax

Example Sentences

The lateral angles of the anterior margin of the prothorax acute, the metathorax armed with two long acute spines.

From Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society - Vol. 3 Zoology by Various

Thorax: the tegulæ pale rufo-testaceous, wings hyaline, the nervures ferruginous; the metathorax coarsely rugose; the articulations of the legs and the tarsi ferruginous.

From Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society - Vol. 3 Zoology by Various

Metasternum: the underside or breast of the metathorax.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.

Thorax subopake, very closely punctured, and slightly shining; the metathorax coarsely longitudinally rugose-striate; the postscutellum yellow; wings subhyaline and iridescent, the nervures fusco-ferruginous; a dark fuscous cloud occupies the marginal cell.

From Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society - Vol. 3 Zoology by Various

Note the division of the body into head, thorax, composed of prothorax, mesothorax and metathorax, and abdomen consisting of ring-like segments.

From An Elementary Study of Insects by Haseman, Leonard