springtail

American

[spring-teyl] / ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

any of numerous minute, wingless primitive insects of the order Collembola, most possessing a special abdominal appendage for jumping that allows for the nearly perpetual springing pattern characteristic of the group.

springtail British

/ ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

any primitive wingless insect of the order Collembola, having a forked springing organ with which it projects itself forward

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of springtail

First recorded in 1790–1800; spring + tail ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His photo “Life Under Dead Wood” featured fruiting slime mould alongside a tiny, energetic springtail.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2024

Dr. Bhamla helped to bring in roboticists, who designed a robot based on the springtail that could right itself in the air and land on its feet 75 percent of the time.

From New York Times • Nov. 7, 2022

And it’s true that I’ve had some failures: The app once labeled a springtail a deer tick for me.

From Slate • Jul. 9, 2022

In addition, the springtail makes sure it lands feet—and water droplet—first by flexing its twirling body into a U shape midair, Ortega-Jimenez reported.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 13, 2022

During our investigations, we found this springtail on or near decomposing tree branches, dead insects and muddy cave floors with bat guano—common nutrient sources found within caves.

From Scientific American • Aug. 31, 2017

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023