prothorax

[ proh-thawr-aks, -thohr- ]

/ proʊˈθɔr æks, -ˈθoʊr- /

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.

Words nearby prothorax

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

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for prothorax

Principal sulcus: in Orthoptera, a transverse impression of the prothorax, at or behind the middle.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith
Prothorax two-thirds wider than long, sides parallel in basal half, convergent anteriorly.
Journal of Entomology and Zoology, March 1917|Various
Prozona: in Orthoptera, the upper or dorsal surface of prothorax in front of the principal sulcus.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith
Microthorax: a supposed thoracic ring between the head and prothorax.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith

There is a long neutral interval, that of the prothorax, into which it is quite useless to drive the sting.
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