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Glite Dictionary
pronotum

pronotum

1 9.9
The top of the first part of an insect's middle body that looks like a hard shield
  • noun
  • /prəˈnoʊtəm/
  • Specialized
: pronoto
  • Scientists measured the width of the pronotum to help identify the insect species.

Examples

  • The pronotum protects the insect's thorax.

  • The beetle's pronotum was marked with bright red spots.

  • A grasshopper's pronotum often extends over part of its wings.

  • In many beetles, the pronotum is quite pronounced.

  • The entomologist examined the structure of the pronotum to identify the insect species.

  • In many beetles, the pronotum is wider than the head and provides protection for the thorax.

  • The shiny pronotum of the butterfly was beautifully patterned, making it stand out in the garden.

Surface Forms

pronotum singular
pronota plural

Morphology

pronotum = notum (opaque) = pro + pro + notum

Both components are technical anatomical morphemes and an average B1 learner would not be able to derive the meaning from 'pro' + 'notum'.

Etymology

Pronotum comes from pro- meaning 'front' and notum meaning 'back' or 'top'. So the pronotum is the 'front top' plate or small shield on the first segment of an insect's thorax, which is why the word names that upper surface.