prosoma

noun

pro·​so·​ma (ˌ)prō-ˈsō-mə How to pronounce prosoma (audio)
: the anterior region of the body of an invertebrate (such as an arachnid) especially when the segmentation is suppressed or obscured
especially : cephalothorax

Examples of prosoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When a spider wants to straighten its legs to move, the prosoma section (where its legs attach to its body) ejects fluid into the legs, pushing them out straight. Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 28 July 2022 The head, or prosoma, houses most vital organs, including the heart and the brain. National Geographic, 20 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pro- + sōma body

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosoma was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near prosoma

Cite this Entry

“Prosoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosoma. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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