prothorax

[ proh-thawr-aks, -thohr- ]

/ proʊˈθɔr æks, -ˈθoʊr- /

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noun, plural pro·tho·rax·es, pro·tho·ra·ces

[proh-thawr-uh-seez, -thohr-]. /proʊˈθɔr əˌsiz, -ˈθoʊr-/.

the anterior division of the thorax of an insect, bearing the first pair of legs.

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Origin of prothorax

From New Latin, dating back to 1820–30; see origin at pro-¹, thorax

OTHER WORDS FROM prothorax

pro·tho·rac·ic

[proh-thaw-ras-ik, -thoh-], /ˌproʊ θɔˈræs ɪk, -θoʊ-/, adjective

Words nearby prothorax

prothesis, prothonotary, prothonotary apostolic, prothonotary warbler, prothoracic gland, prothorax, prothrombin, prothrombin accelerator, prothrombinase, prothrombin test, protist

How to use prothorax in a sentence

The 17 prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax bear spines varying in number.
Journal of Entomology and Zoology, March 1917|Various
Elytra fully two-thirds as wide as long, and nearly three-fourths wider than the prothorax.
Journal of Entomology and Zoology, March 1917|Various
Prothorax two-thirds wider than long, sides parallel in basal half, convergent anteriorly.
Journal of Entomology and Zoology, March 1917|Various
The Praying Mantis is a bright green; she boasts an elongated prothorax and an alert gait.
More Hunting Wasps|J. Henri Fabre

A narrow and very long prothorax divides the front pair of legs from the two hinder pairs.
More Hunting Wasps|J. Henri Fabre

British Dictionary definitions for prothorax

prothorax

/ (prəʊˈθɔːræks) /

noun plural -thoraxes or -thoraces (-ˈθɔːrəˌsiːz)

the first segment of the thorax of an insect, which bears the first pair of walking legsSee also mesothorax, metathorax

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