English Reference
Noun

thorax

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈθɔɹæks/ UK /θˈɔːɹæks/ tho·rax UK spelling thoraxes Anatomy

n.the front part of an insect's body, or the middle part of a human's body between the neck and the waist.

n.the anterior segment of an insect's body, or the middle section of the human torso between the neck and the pelvis.


SIMPLE

The thorax of the beetle is very hard.

CONTEXTUAL

Insects use their thorax to attach their wings and legs, allowing for complex movement.

COMPLEX

The thorax contains the heart and the primary respiratory organs in many arthropods, serving as a central hub for circulation and locomotion.

Slender beetles have long, narrow heads and thoraxes, allowing them to insert their heads deep into the shells of large snails.

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026

From Latin thorax, from Ancient Greek θώραξ (thṓrax, “a breastplate, cuirass, corslet”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek θώραξ
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated