prothorax

American  

[proh-thawr-aks, -thohr-] / proʊˈθɔr æks, -ˈθoʊr- /

noun

prothoraxes, plural prothoraces plural

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

---

prothorax British  

/ prəʊˈθɔːræks /

noun

1. the first segment of the thorax of an insect, which bears the first pair of walking legs See also mesothorax metathorax

---

Other Word Forms

• prothoracic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of prothorax

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

Example Sentences

Ampulla: Orthoptera; an extensile sac between head and prothorax used by the young in escaping from oötheca, and later, in molting: Heteroptera; a blister-like enlargement at the middle of the anterior margin of the pro-thorax.

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

Magnified. b, spiracle on prothorax; c, protruded head region; d, tail-end with functional spiracles; e, f, head region with mouth hooks protruded; g, hooks retracted; h, eggs.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 4 "Hero" to "Hindu Chronology" 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

Proparaptera: the paraptera of the prothorax: the terms erroneously applied in this connection.

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

Pronotum: the upper or dorsal surface of the prothorax.

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