prothorax

noun

pro·​tho·​rax (ˌ)prō-ˈthȯr-ˌaks How to pronounce prothorax (audio)
: the anterior segment of the thorax of an insect see insect illustration

Word History

Etymology

New Latin prothorac-, prothorax, from pro- entry 1 + thorax

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prothorax was in 1826

Dictionary Entries Near prothorax

Cite this Entry

“Prothorax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prothorax. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prothorax

noun
pro·​tho·​rax (ˈ)prō-ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks How to pronounce prothorax (audio)
-ˈthȯ(ə)r-
: the first segment of the thorax of an insect

More from Merriam-Webster on prothorax

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!