furcula

[ fur-kyuh-luh ]

noun

, plural fur·cu·lae [fur, -ky, uh, -lee].

1. the forked clavicular bone of a bird; wishbone.
2. the ventral, forked appendage on the abdomen of a springtail that the insect uses in springing itself into the air.

furcula

/ ˈfɜːkjʊləm; ˈfɜːkjʊlə /

noun

1. any forklike part or organ, esp the fused clavicles (wishbone) of birds

Other Words From

• furcu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of furcula¹

1855–60; < Latin: a forked prop. See fork, -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of furcula¹

C19: from Latin: a forked support for a wall, diminutive of furca fork

Example Sentences

The coracoids are large, and the clavicles are nearly always united forming the furcula.

From Project Gutenberg

The extremities of the furcula, where articulated to the coracoids, vary considerably in outline.

From Project Gutenberg

The size and shape of the perforations in the sternum, and the size and divergence of the arms of the furcula, differ.

From Project Gutenberg

In a pouter, the furcula had not been lengthened proportionally with the increased length of the body.

From Project Gutenberg

The furcula is large, and the scapula has a well developed acromion.

From Project Gutenberg