Furcula

Full definition of furcula

Noun

1. (anatomy) A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.
2. (ornithology) The forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles in birds, the wishbone or merrythought.
3. (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.