Furcula

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.
  2. 2
    a forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles of most birds wordnet
  3. 3
    The forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles in birds, the wishbone or merrythought.
  4. 4
    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.

    "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."

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin furcula.

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