• (n.) The ventral plate of the third or last segment of the thorax of insects. • (n.) The most posterior element of the sternum; the ensiform process; xiphisternum.
The ventral surface or sclerite of the metathorax.
(met″ә-stur´nәm) the xiphoid process.
Met`a·ster'num noun [ Prefix meta- + sternum .] 1. (Anat.) The most posterior element of the sternum; the ensiform process; xiphisternum. 2. (Zoology) The ventral plate of the third or last segment of the thorax of insects. 
Type: Term Pronunciation: met′ă-ster′nŭm Synonyms: xiphoid process