tergum

[tur-guhm]

noun

Zoology.

plural

terga 

1. the dorsal surface of a body segment of an arthropod.

tergum

/ ˈtɜːɡəm /

noun

1. a cuticular plate covering the dorsal surface of a body segment of an arthropod Compare sternum

Other Word Forms

• tergal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tergum¹

1820–30; < Latin: the back

Word History and Origins

Origin of tergum¹

C19: from Latin: the back

Example Sentences

The “tergal hypothesis” suggests that wings originated on the tergum — the top of the insect body wall — perhaps as gliding membranes.

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Ter′gite, the tergum or back of one of the somites or segments of an arthropod, &c.—adj.

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Somite of a Lobster, separated and viewed from in front. t, tergum; s, sternum; pl, pleuron.

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A dorsal and a ventral plate are often distinguished, known respectively as the tergum and the sternum, and the tergum may overhang the insertion of the limb on each side as a free plate called the pleuron.

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In the Achorutidae the head is forwardly directed, the tergum of the prothorax conspicuous, and the spring small or vestigial.

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