sternite

noun

ster·​nite ˈstər-ˌnīt How to pronounce sternite (audio)
: the ventral part or shield of a somite of an arthropod
especially : the chitinous plate that forms the ventral surface of an abdominal or occasionally a thoracic segment of an insect

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek sternon chest

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sternite was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near sternite

Cite this Entry

“Sternite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sternite. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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