coxa
|cox-a|
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑksə/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒksə/
hip / basal leg segment
Etymology
'coxa' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'coxa', where it meant 'hip, thigh'.
'coxa' entered scientific English usage from New Latin and Late Latin anatomical terminology; the Latin 'coxa' was adopted into English anatomical and entomological vocabulary (via Medieval/Modern Latin) as 'coxa'.
Initially, it meant 'hip' or 'thigh' in Latin; over time it retained this anatomical sense and was extended in zoology to name the basal leg segment of arthropods, giving the modern English technical meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in human or vertebrate anatomy: the hip region or part of the pelvis (occasionally used to refer to the hip or hipbone).
In the anatomical diagram, the surgeon pointed to the coxa to explain the hip incision.
Synonyms
Noun 2
in entomology and arthropod anatomy: the basal segment of an insect or other arthropod leg that attaches to the body (the first leg segment).
The entomologist examined the beetle's coxa under the microscope to check for muscle attachment points.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/02 13:35