Thorax Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆด
Add to dictionary

thorax

[หˆฮธษ”หrรฆks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

human anatomy

The thorax is the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, containing the heart and lungs. It is also known as the chest.

Synonyms

chest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
thorax

Duplicate entry, same context and usage as previous.

  • Duplicate entry, same context and usage as previous
chest

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the front upper part of the human body where the ribs and heart are located.

  • He has a pain in his chest
  • She wore a necklace that hung down to her chest

Examples of usage

  • The doctor listened to my thorax with a stethoscope.
  • He suffered a severe injury to his thorax in the accident.
Context #2 | Noun

zoology

In insects, the thorax is the middle part of the body, bearing the legs and wings.

Examples of usage

  • The insect's thorax appeared to be injured, affecting its ability to fly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • In humans, the thorax houses crucial organs like the heart and lungs, encased by the ribcage.
  • In insects, the thorax is where the legs and wings attach, giving them mobility and the ability to fly.

Medical Context

  • Thoracic surgery focuses on treating conditions of the lungs, heart, and other organs in the thorax.
  • Conditions such as pleurisy or tuberculosis aim at the tissues surrounding the thorax, making its health crucial.

Pop Culture

  • Thorax has made appearances in various educational cartoons, often used to explain insect anatomy.
  • In superhero comics, characters are often depicted in an exaggerated anatomy, making the thorax an interesting focal point.

Zoology

  • In mammals, the size and structure of the thorax can indicate the speciesโ€™ breathing capabilities.
  • Birds have a unique thoracic structure that allows for efficient flight and breathing during their high-energy activities.

Origin of 'thorax'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'thorax', meaning 'chest'.
  • It has been used in medical texts since the early 1600s to describe the area of the body where vital organs are protected.

The word 'thorax' originated from the Greek word 'thorax', meaning 'breastplate' or 'chest'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to the chest area of the human body. In zoology, the term 'thorax' was adopted to describe the middle part of insects' bodies in the 18th century.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,570, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.