coxa

noun

ˈkäk-sə

plural coxae ˈkäk-ˌsē

-ˌsī

: the basal segment of a limb of various arthropods (such as an insect)

coxal

ˈkäk-səl

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin, hip; akin to Old High German hāhsina hock, Sanskrit kakṣa armpit

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of coxa was in 1826

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Coxa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coxa. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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Medical Definition

coxa

noun

ˈkäk-sə

plural coxae -ˌsē, -ˌsī

: hip joint, hip

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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