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Furcula
noun
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.
- 2 a forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles of most birds wordnet
- 3 The forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles in birds, the wishbone or merrythought.
- 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.
See also for "furcula"
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