sternite Zool. and Comp. Anat.
(ˈstɜːnaɪt)
[f. stern-um + -ite.]
a. The under or ventral part of each somite or segment of the body of an insect or other arthropod: correlated with tergite and pleurite. b. = sternebra. rare—0. (In recent Dicts.)
| 1868 Packard Guide Study Insects 9 The typical ring or segment..consists of an upper (tergite), a side (pleurite), and an under piece (sternite). 1882 Athenæum 14 Jan. 60/2 The chilaria of Limulus..are regarded as metathoracic sternites. |
Hence sternitic (stɜːˈnɪtɪk) a., pertaining to a sternite.
| In recent Dicts. |