Mid 19th century; earliest use found in William Shuckard (?1803–1868), entomologist. From German Metanotum from meta- + ancient Greek νῶτον. See note on parallel formations s.v. mesonotum.
Definition of metanotum in US English:
metanotum
nounmɛtəˈnəʊtəm
Entomology
The tergum of the metathorax of an insect.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in William Shuckard (?1803–1868), entomologist. From German Metanotum from meta- + ancient Greek νῶτον. See note on parallel formations s.v. mesonotum.