Definition

The front part of an insect's body that is located just behind the head and supports the first pair of legs.

Example

The prothorax of the beetle is hard and protects its delicate wings.

Conversation

Have you ever looked closely at an insect's prothorax?

Not really, what’s interesting about it?

It's the part that holds the first pair of legs, which is pretty cool.

That is cool! I never knew that part had a name.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prothorax → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "thorax" (from Greek "thorax", meaning chest or breastplate). The word "prothorax" refers to the first segment of the thorax in insects, located before the main body segment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pro-' meaning 'before' and 'thorax' referring to the 'chest' — the prothorax is the part of the body that is located before the main chest area.

Visually Confused Words