tergum
/ˈtɜrdʒəm/
noun
- The upper or dorsal surface of a body segment of an arthropod (such as an insect or crustacean).
- The tergum of the grasshopper is often green to blend in with leaves.
- Under the microscope, the tergum showed a pattern of tiny hairs.
- The crab's tergum is hard and protects its internal organs.