mesothorax

[ mez-uh-thawr-aks, -thohr-, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh- ]

/ ˌmɛz əˈθɔr æks, -ˈθoʊr-, ˌmɛs-, ˌmi zə-, -sə- /

the middle segment of the three divisions of the thorax of an insect, bearing the second pair of legs and the first pair of wings.

Origin of mesothorax

First recorded in 1820–30; meso- + thorax

mes·o·tho·rac·ic

[mez-uh-thaw-ras-ik, -thoh-, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh-] /ˌmɛz ə θɔˈræs ɪk, -θoʊ-, ˌmɛs-, ˌmi zə-, -sə-/, adjective

When it is covered by the mesothorax; it is then usually a mere membrane.

An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. IV (of 4) |William Kirby
Mesothorax: the second or middle thoracic ring; bears the middle legs and the anterior wings.

Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology |John. B. Smith
When behind it terminates in a long scutelliform process which covers the Mesothorax, Metathorax, and great part of the Abdomen.

An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. IV (of 4) |William Kirby
The next segment is the mesothorax, which is immovably fused to the next thoracic segment.

Elementary Zoology, Second Edition |Vernon L. Kellogg

The anterior segment is known as the prothorax, the middle segment as the mesothorax, and the after segment as the metathorax.

The Butterfly Book |William Jacob Holland

mesothorax

/ (ˌmɛsəʊˈθɔːræks) /

the middle segment of the thorax of an insect, bearing the second pair of walking legs and the first pair of wings See also prothorax, metathorax

mesothoracic (ˌmɛsəʊθɔːˈræsɪk), adjective