Langimage
English

thorax

|tho/rax|

B2

/ˈθɔːræks/

chest area

Etymology
Etymology Information

'thorax' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'θώραξ' (thōrax), where 'θώραξ' meant 'breastplate or chest.'

Historical Evolution

'θώραξ' transformed into the Latin word 'thorax,' and eventually became the modern English word 'thorax' through Old French.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'breastplate or chest,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, enclosed by the ribs and containing the heart and lungs; the chest.

The doctor examined the patient's thorax for any abnormalities.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the middle section of an insect's body, to which the legs and wings are attached.

The thorax of the butterfly is brightly colored.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/16 13:06