propodeum
/prəʊˈpɒdɪəm/ /ˌprɒpəˈdɪəm/(also propodaeum) Entomology
noun
The segment anterior to and partly surrounding the petiole of hymenopterans.
- The propodeum appears to be the posterior part of the thorax but it is, in origin, the first segment of the abdomen..
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Edward Newman (1801–1876), naturalist. From pro- + ancient Greek ποδεών neck or mouth of a wineskin, or of the bladder, any narrow end.