Definition

The front part of certain animals, like spiders and some crustaceans, where the head and the chest are joined together.

Example

The cephalothorax of the spider is covered with a hard shell.

Conversation

Did you know that spiders have a part called the cephalothorax?

Really? I didn't know that! What's it for?

It's basically the fused head and thorax of the spider.

That's interesting! I always thought they just had a regular body structure.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cephalothorax is formed from "cephalo-" (from Greek "kephalē", meaning head) and "thorax" (from Greek "thorax", meaning chest or thorax). The term refers to the fused head and thorax found in certain arthropods, such as crustaceans and arachnids, indicating a combined structure of these two body parts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'head' ('cephalo-') and 'chest' ('thorax') being joined together — that's what cephalothorax means.

Visually Confused Words