thorax: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “thorax” mean?
The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs; the chest cavity.
In zoology, especially insects and arachnids, the middle segment of the body between the head and the abdomen. In anatomy, the chest cavity containing the heart and lungs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language in both regions, but standard in professional/academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “thorax” in a Sentence
The [noun] of the thoraxA [adjective] thorax[Verb] the thoraxVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thorax” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- thoracic (adj.) - e.g., 'thoracic surgery'
American English
- thoracic (adj.) - e.g., 'thoracic vertebra'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, anatomical, and zoological texts and lectures.
Everyday
Rare; 'chest' is used instead.
Technical
The standard precise term in relevant fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thorax”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈθɔːr.əks/ or /ˈθɒr.æks/.
- Using it in everyday conversation where 'chest' is appropriate, sounding overly technical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Chest' is the general, everyday word. 'Thorax' is the precise anatomical/zoological term referring specifically to the cavity or body segment.
No, 'thorax' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'thoracic'.
Yes. In human anatomy, it refers to the chest cavity. In zoology (especially entomology), it refers to the middle body segment of arthropods.
In British English: /ˈθɔː.ræks/. In American English: /ˈθɔːr.æks/. The first syllable rhymes with 'saw', the second with 'ax'.
The part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs.
Thorax is usually technical / formal in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'THOR' (the Norse god known for his strength) having a powerful chest, or 'thorAX' where the 'AX' sounds like 'acts' – the chest acts as a protective case for vital organs.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CONTAINER (the thorax as a protective case/box for the heart and lungs).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'thorax' most commonly used?