Furcula
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Furcula is a noun meaning (anatomy) A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.
Meaning
(anatomy) A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.
More Meanings
- (ornithology) The forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles in birds, the wishbone or merrythought.
- (entomology) The (two-pronged) forked, somewhat tail-like organ held bent forward and secured by a catch beneath most species of Collembola (springtails), with which they jump by releasing the catch abruptly when alarmed.
Example Sentences
In essence, a furcula is a long, rigid stick, held underneath the body at high tension. When the springtail releases that pressure, the stick pushes down into the ground, or even the water's surface, like an upside-down medieval catapult, firing the springtail into the air in a semi-controlled manner.
Word Forms
- furculae
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include furculum, falx, fibulare, anfractuosity, metapophysis, fissure.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.