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springtail

[ 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.

Nearby words

  1. springlet,
  2. springlock,
  3. springs,
  4. springsteen,
  5. springsteen, bruce,
  6. springtime,
  7. springville,
  8. springwood,
  9. springy,
  10. sprinkle

Origin of springtail

First recorded in 1790–1800; spring + tail1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for springtail

springtail

/ (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