tergum

noun

ter·​gum ˈtər-gəm How to pronounce tergum (audio)
plural terga ˈtər-gə How to pronounce tergum (audio)
: the dorsal part or plate of a segment of an arthropod
tergal adjective

Examples of tergum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Males do so by grating modified scraper scales on the outer surface of the genital valves against the inner margin of the last abdominal tergum. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2013

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, back

First Known Use

circa 1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tergum was circa 1826

Dictionary Entries Near tergum

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

tergum

noun
ter·​gum ˈtər-gəm How to pronounce tergum (audio)
plural terga -gə How to pronounce tergum (audio)
: the dorsal part or plate of a segment of an arthropod
tergal adjective
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