Definitions

1. noun

A plural noun referring to the dorsal or upper surface of an insect’s abdomen, especially in the context of insects that have a distinct division of their body into separate segments, such as beetles or flies.

“The entomologist studied the terga of the beetle to understand its body structure.”

2. noun

In some contexts, terga can refer to the upper surface of a fish’s or a reptile’s body, particularly when describing their scales or scutes.

“The herpetologist examined the terga of the turtle to analyze its shell structure.”