Thorax

['θɔːræks] or ['θɔræks]

Definition

(noun.) part of an insect's body that bears the wings and legs.

(noun.) the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates.

(noun.) the middle region of the body of an arthropod between the head and the abdomen.

Checked by Kenneth--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) The part of the trunk between the neck and the abdomen, containing that part of the body cavity the walls of which are supported by the dorsal vertebrae, the ribs, and the sternum, and which the heart and lungs are situated; the chest.

(n.) The middle region of the body of an insect, or that region which bears the legs and wings. It is composed of three united somites, each of which is composed of several distinct parts. See Illust. in Appendix. and Illust. of Coleoptera.

(n.) The second, or middle, region of the body of a crustacean, arachnid, or other articulate animal. In the case of decapod Crustacea, some writers include under the term thorax only the three segments bearing the maxillipeds; others include also the five segments bearing the legs. See Illust. in Appendix.

(n.) A breastplate, cuirass, or corselet; especially, the breastplate worn by the ancient Greeks.

Typist: Lycurgus

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. Chest, breast, trunk (of the body).

Typist: Rebecca

Definition

n. the part of the body between the neck and belly: the chest.—adj. Thoracic (-ras′-) pertaining to the thorax or breast.

Edited by Allison