wishbone

American  

[wish-bohn] / ˈwɪʃˌboʊn /

noun

1. a forked bone, formed by the fusion of the two clavicles, in front of the breastbone in most birds; furcula.

2. Football. an offensive formation in which the fullback is positioned directly behind the quarterback and the two halfbacks are positioned farther behind and to the left and right, respectively.

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wishbone British  

/ ˈwɪʃˌbəʊn /

noun

1. the V-shaped bone above the breastbone in most birds consisting of the fused clavicles; furcula

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wishbone Scientific  

/ wĭsh′bōn′ /

1. The forked bone in front of the breastbone in most birds, consisting of the two collarbones partly fused together. It serves as a spring, capturing some of the energy during the downward stroke of the wings for release on the upward stroke.

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Etymology

Origin of wishbone

1850–55, wish + bone; so called from the custom of pulling the furcula of a cooked fowl apart until it breaks, the person holding the longer (sometimes shorter) piece being granted a wish

Example Sentences

I would bet an entire wishbone they’re slinging pans of macaroni and cheese that will bring the house down.

From Salon

Next to the mannequin is a small black vanity desk and mirror with makeup and porcelain wishbones filling the table’s surface.

From Los Angeles Times

In Canada, McLaren introduced a small tweak to the suspension geometry, around where the upper wishbone meets the front wheel, in an attempt increase feel.

From BBC

As visitors enter and lie down, these mobiles spin slowly, catching light and casting morphing shadows of cursive E’s and wishbones.

From New York Times

The Cretaceous strata of the formation has yielded only one tiny bird bone -- a wishbone -- and a few feathers.

From Science Daily