furcula
noun
fur·cu·la
ˈfər-kyə-lə 
plural furculae
ˈfər-kyə-ˌlē
-ˌlī
-ˌlī
: a forked process or part: such as
a
: wishbone
b
: the forked leaping appendage arising from the fourth abdominal segment of a springtail
Examples of furcula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When disturbed, springtails will extend their furcula to propel or ‘spring’ themselves into the air.
—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2026
At first, wishes were made on the unbroken bones of the furcula by gently stroking them.
—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
25 Nov. 2025
In modern birds, the furcula serves as a critical component of the flight apparatus, providing an anchor point for muscles and contributing to the biomechanics of wing movement.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Think of the furcula as similar to our collarbones, only the furcula is slightly more elastic.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2023
On Thanksgiving, the furcula is much sought-after to make a wish.
—
Sue Selasky,
Detroit Free Press,
25 Nov. 2021
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Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2026
At first, wishes were made on the unbroken bones of the furcula by gently stroking them.
—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
25 Nov. 2025
In modern birds, the furcula serves as a critical component of the flight apparatus, providing an anchor point for muscles and contributing to the biomechanics of wing movement.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Think of the furcula as similar to our collarbones, only the furcula is slightly more elastic.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2023
On Thanksgiving, the furcula is much sought-after to make a wish.
—
Sue Selasky,
Detroit Free Press,
25 Nov. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Furcula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/furcula. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
furcula
noun
fur·cu·la
ˈfər-kyə-lə
: an elevation on the embryonic floor of the pharynx from which the epiglottis develops
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