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

Derived Forms

• prothoracic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• prothoraces
  plural
• prothoraxes
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of prothorax

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prothorax

Dermatoptera: skin-winged: an ordinal term applied to insects with elytriform, abbreviated primaries beneath which the secondaries are folded transversely and fan-like: mouth mandibulate, prothorax free; abdomen forcipate; metamorphosis incomplete: the Forficulidae or earwigs.

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

Phragma: a partition or dividing membrane: longitudinal, thin partitions passing down from the dorsum of meso- and meta-thorax: the partition formed by the inflexed hinder edge of prothorax.

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

The prothorax is wider than the head, but is narrower in front than at the base and is slightly rounded at the sides.

From The Glow-Worm and Other Beetles by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos

The prothorax is large and “free,” i.e. readily movable on the mesothorax, an arrangement usual among insects with the power of rapid running.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" 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 Leonard Haseman

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---