metasternum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   entomology: the ventral exoskeletal plate of an insect's metathorax

   The scraper projected from the beetle's metasternum behind the middle pair of legs.

2. 2
   noun

   rare anatomy: the lowest part of the sternum, especially the xiphoid process

   An older anatomical text used metasternum for the xiphoid process.

Formed from meta-, here referring to the hind thoracic segment, + sternum, 'breastbone or ventral plate.' Entomological use names the lower plate of the metathorax; an older anatomical use applied the word to the xiphoid process.

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