: the dorsal part or plate of a segment of an arthropod

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, back

First Known Use

circa 1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tergum was circa 1826

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tergum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tergum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: the dorsal part or plate of a segment of an arthropod
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