prosoma

noun

pro·​so·​ma (ˌ)prō-ˈsō-mə How to pronounce prosoma (audio)
: the anterior region of the body of an invertebrate (such as an arachnid) especially when the segmentation is suppressed or obscured
especially : cephalothorax

Examples of prosoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When a spider wants to straighten its legs to move, the prosoma section (where its legs attach to its body) ejects fluid into the legs, pushing them out straight. Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 28 July 2022 The head, or prosoma, houses most vital organs, including the heart and the brain. National Geographic, 20 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prosoma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pro- + sōma body

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosoma was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near prosoma

Cite this Entry

“Prosoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosoma. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!