wishbone

[wish-bohn]

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.

wishbone

/ ˈwɪʃˌbəʊn /

noun

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

wishbone

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wishbone¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of wishbone¹

C17: from the custom of two people breaking apart the bone after eating: the person with the longer part makes a wish

Example Sentences

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

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

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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.

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

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

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