metathorax: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ObscureTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metathorax” mean?
The third and posterior segment of the thorax in insects, bearing the hind pair of legs and, in winged insects, the second pair of wings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The third and posterior segment of the thorax in insects, bearing the hind pair of legs and, in winged insects, the second pair of wings.
In entomology and related fields, the anatomical term for the hindmost thoracic segment in arthropods. It is part of the body tagma specialised for locomotion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its strict technical definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined entirely to entomological texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “metathorax” in a Sentence
The metathorax of [insect species] is...[Insect species] has a metathorax that...The legs attach to the metathorax.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metathorax” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metathoracic spiracles are clearly visible.
- We examined the metathoracic musculature.
American English
- The metathoracic spiracle is clearly visible.
- We examined the metathoracic muscle attachments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in biological sciences, particularly entomology and zoology.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary and only context. Used in research papers, taxonomic descriptions, and morphology textbooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metathorax”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metathorax”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metathorax”
- Misspelling as 'metathorax' (missing 'a').
- Incorrectly pluralising as 'metathoraxes' (correct: 'metathoraces' or 'metathoraxes' is sometimes accepted).
- Using it to refer to parts of other animals.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for insects, but it can be used in the morphology of other arthropods like some crustaceans and myriapods that have a differentiated thoracic region.
The first segment is the prothorax and the second is the mesothorax. Together, the prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax make up the insect thorax.
Often, yes, but it may be obscured by wings or other structures. In beetles, the metathorax is largely covered by the hardened forewings (elytra).
No. It is a highly technical term known almost exclusively to biologists, entomologists, and serious insect enthusiasts.
The third and posterior segment of the thorax in insects, bearing the hind pair of legs and, in winged insects, the second pair of wings.
Metathorax is usually technical / scientific in register.
Metathorax: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəˈθɔːræks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdəˈθɔræks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: META = after/behind (like 'metaphysics' comes after physics in Aristotle's works). THORAX = chest. So, the metathorax is the 'after-chest' or hindmost part of an insect's thorax.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable. The term is used literally as a precise anatomical label.
Practice
Quiz
What does the prefix 'meta-' signify in the term 'metathorax'?