thorax
[ thawr-aks, thohr- ]
/ ˈθɔr æks, ˈθoʊr- /
noun, plural tho·rax·es, tho·ra·ces [thawr-uh-seez, thohr-] /ˈθɔr əˌsiz, ˈθoʊr-/.
Anatomy.
the part of the trunk in humans and higher vertebrates between the neck and the abdomen, containing the cavity, enclosed by the ribs, sternum, and certain vertebrae, in which the heart, lungs, etc., are situated; chest.
Zoology.
a corresponding part in other animals.
(in insects) the portion of the body between the head and the abdomen.
Origin of thorax
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin
thōrāx < Greek
thṓrāx breastplate, part of body which this covers
Words nearby thorax
Example sentences from the Web for thoraces
The flies had all been attacked by the larva, the abdomens of some and the thoraces of others having been eaten.
Wasps |George W. Peckham
British Dictionary definitions for thoraces
thorax
/ (ˈθɔːræks) /
noun plural thoraxes or thoraces (ˈθɔːrəˌsiːz, θɔːˈreɪsiːz)
the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs
the corresponding part in other vertebrates
the part of an insect's body between the head and abdomen, which bears the wings and legs
Word Origin for thorax
C16: via Latin from Greek
thōrax breastplate, chest
Medical definitions for thoraces
thorax
[ thôr′ăks′ ]
n. pl. tho•rax•es
The part of the human body between the neck and the diaphragm, partially encased by the ribs and containing the heart and lungs; the chest.
A part in other vertebrates that corresponds to the human thorax.
The second or middle region of the body of an arthropod, between the head and the abdomen, in insects bearing the legs and wings.
Scientific definitions for thoraces
thorax
[ thôr′ăks′ ]
Plural thoraxes thoraces (thôr′ə-sēz′)
The upper part of the trunk in vertebrate animals. The thorax includes the rib cage, which encloses the heart and lungs. In mammals, the thorax lies above the abdomen and below the neck.
The middle division of the body of an insect, to which the wings and legs are attached. The thorax lies between the head and the abdomen.