metasoma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Highly SpecializedTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metasoma” mean?
In zoology, specifically in arthropods like insects and arachnids, the posterior part of the body behind the prosoma (head-thorax region).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In zoology, specifically in arthropods like insects and arachnids, the posterior part of the body behind the prosoma (head-thorax region).
Primarily used in scientific contexts to describe anatomical segmentation. In some contexts, may refer broadly to posterior body sections in segmented organisms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; term is standardized in international scientific literature.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions, confined to specialist texts.
Grammar
How to Use “metasoma” in a Sentence
The [arthropod]'s metasoma [verb: consists/contains/terminates]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metasoma” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The scorpion's metasoma contains the venom apparatus.
- In some mites, the metasoma is markedly reduced.
American English
- Researchers examined the metasoma morphology of ten species.
- The metasoma segments are clearly visible under magnification.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used
Academic
Used in zoology/biology papers and textbooks on arthropod anatomy.
Everyday
Never used
Technical
Primary context: entomology, arachnology, comparative morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metasoma”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metasoma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metasoma”
- Confusing with 'mesosoma' or 'metasome'. Using in non-zoological contexts. Incorrectly applying to vertebrate anatomy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized technical term used almost exclusively in zoological and entomological contexts.
No, it is specific to the body segmentation of certain invertebrates, particularly arthropods.
It varies by organism but often houses reproductive organs, the anus, venom apparatus (in scorpions), or sensory structures.
From Greek: 'meta-' meaning 'after' or 'beyond' + 'soma' meaning 'body'. Thus, 'the part after the main body'.
In zoology, specifically in arthropods like insects and arachnids, the posterior part of the body behind the prosoma (head-thorax region).
Metasoma is usually technical/scientific in register.
Metasoma: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəˈsəʊmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəˈsoʊmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None - term is strictly technical”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
META-SOMA: Think 'beyond the body' – META (beyond/after) + SOMA (body) = the part behind the main body.
Conceptual Metaphor
Body as segmented machine/architecture (posterior module/unit).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metasoma' primarily used?