thorax

play

noun tho·rax \ˈthȯr-ˌaks\

Definition of thorax

plural

thoraxes

thoraces

play \ˈthȯr-ə-ˌsēz\

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

See thorax defined for English-language learners

See thorax defined for kids

Recent Examples of thorax from the Web

A beautiful sight marred by sliced thoraxes, blazing bullets and spurting gore.

— john brownlee, WIRED, "Kites: The Serene Killers of the Sky", 27 Feb. 2007

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.

Origin and Etymology of thorax

Middle English, from Latin thorac-, thorax breastplate, thorax, from Greek thōrak-, thōrax

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

THORAX Defined for English Language Learners

thorax

play

noun

Definition of thorax for English Language Learners

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

THORAX Defined for Kids

thorax

play

noun tho·rax \ˈthȯr-ˌaks\

Definition of thorax for Students

plural

thoraxes

thoraces

\ˈthȯr-ə-ˌsēz\

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

Medical Dictionary

thorax

play

noun tho·rax \ˈthō(ə)r-ˌaks, ˈthȯ(ə)r-\

Medical Definition of thorax

plural

thoraxes

thoraces

\ˈthōr-ə-ˌsēz, ˈthȯr-\play

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