antecosta

noun

an·​te·​cos·​ta

ˈantə̇ˌ-,

-tē-

plural antecostae or antecostas

: the internal ridge that is externally manifested as a groove, that appears near the anterior margin of the typical dorsal or ventral plate of the primitive segment of an arthropod, and that provides attachment for the longitudinal muscles

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from ante- + costa

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

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