FURCULA

furcula

(noun) a forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles of most birds

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

furcula (plural furculae or furculæ)

(anatomy) A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.

(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.

Source: Wiktionary


Fur"cu*la, n. Etym: [L., a forked prop, dim. of furca a fork.] (Anat.)

Definition: A forked process; the wishbone or furculum.

FURCULUM

Fur"cu*lum, n. Etym: [NL., dim. of L. furca a fork.] (Anat.)

Definition: The wishbone or merrythought of birds, formed by the united clavicles.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

23 January 2025

LEFT

(adjective) being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north; “my left hand”; “left center field”; “the left bank of a river is bank on your left side when you are facing downstream”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Coffee has initially been a food – chewed, not sipped. Early African tribes consume coffee by grinding the berries together, adding some animal fat, and rolling the treats into tiny edible energy balls.

coffee icon