thorax

noun

tho·rax | \ ˈthȯr-ˌaks

plural thoraxes or thoraces\ ˈthȯr-ə-ˌsēz

Definition of thorax

1 : the part of the mammalian body between the neck and the abdomen also : its cavity in which the heart and lungs lie

2 : the middle of the three chief divisions of the body of an insect also : the corresponding part of a crustacean or an arachnid

Examples of thorax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While in flight, the female Aeshna juncea contorts so that her genitals, which are near the end of her body, connect with the male’s genitals, which are near his thorax. — Patricia Edmonds, National Geographic, "Why this insect fakes death to avoid sex," 17 June 2019 Pneumo thorax, which can easily degenerate to death, is a common side effect of lung biopsies. — Jonathan Kolatch, WSJ, "Keeping Dad Alive From 7,000 Miles Away," 23 Dec. 2018 Her former colleague, the emergency room chief at Beijing Hospital, eased his admission and a collapsed lung (pneumo thorax), which had brought his oxygen intake to the minimum, was resolved through a tube inserted between his ribs. — Jonathan Kolatch, WSJ, "Keeping Dad Alive From 7,000 Miles Away," 23 Dec. 2018 While a towel might look great in the fuschia that comes from cochineal bugs, the thought of ingesting thoraxes on gingerbread isn’t exactly appetizing. — Ella Riley-adams, Vogue, "New York’s Coolest Pastry Chef Explains How to Make All-Natural Food Coloring for Holiday Cookies," 17 Dec. 2018 In another, a patient’s chest drain, a tube used to remove air, fluid or pus from the thorax, was dislodged. — The Economist, "Hospitals are learning from industry how to cut medical errors," 28 June 2018 This structure, which covers their abdomen and thorax, safeguards their bodies from predators. — National Geographic, "Meet the Bug That Armors Itself With Shells," 23 June 2018 Close clipped sections of Antron from his floor covering and used it to dub the thorax of the fly. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: 13 famous Wisconsin fly patterns take center stage," 21 Apr. 2018 The power of the impact is what may have propelled a giant stone block, which could be a doorjamb, onto the victim, crushing his thorax and pinning him beneath the ash for the next 2,000 years. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Skeleton of Man Crushed by Stone Block Uncovered in Pompeii," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'thorax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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21 Jun 2019

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The first known use of thorax was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for thorax

thorax

noun

English Language Learners Definition of thorax

technical

: the part of an animal's body between the neck and the waist

: the middle section of an insect's body

See the full definition for thorax in the English Language Learners Dictionary

thorax

noun

tho·rax | \ ˈthȯr-ˌaks

plural thoraxes or thoraces\ ˈthȯr-ə-ˌsēz \

Kids Definition of thorax

1 : the part of the body of a mammal that lies between the neck and the abdomen and contains the heart and lungs

2 : the middle of the three main divisions of the body of an insect

thorax

noun

tho·rax | \ ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks, ˈthȯ(ə)r-

plural thoraxes or thoraces\ ˈthōr-ə-ˌsēz, ˈthȯr-

Medical Definition of thorax

1 : the part of the mammalian body that is situated between the neck and the abdomen and supported by the ribs, costal cartilages, and sternum also : thoracic cavity

2 : the middle of the three chief divisions of the body of an insect also : the corresponding part of a crustacean or an arachnid