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
Think of the furcula as similar to our collarbones, only the furcula is slightly more elastic.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2023
To play the turkey wishbone game, two people think about a wish while each is pulling on opposite ends of the furcula.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2023
The critter’s technique comes from two special body parts: an appendage called a furcula, which smacks the water to launch it into the air, and an abdominal tube known as a collophore, which holds a droplet of water to stabilize its flight and act as an anchor on its landing.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2022
On Thanksgiving, the furcula is much sought-after to make a wish.
—Sue Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 25 Nov. 2021
Technically it's called the furcula and acts to strengthen the thoracic skeleton, supporting the wing strut.
—Sue Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 25 Nov. 2021
Thanks to the discovery of his furcula, or wishbone, scientists have learned more about dinosaurs' relationship to birds.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Oct. 2020
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2023
To play the turkey wishbone game, two people think about a wish while each is pulling on opposite ends of the furcula.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2023
The critter’s technique comes from two special body parts: an appendage called a furcula, which smacks the water to launch it into the air, and an abdominal tube known as a collophore, which holds a droplet of water to stabilize its flight and act as an anchor on its landing.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2022
On Thanksgiving, the furcula is much sought-after to make a wish.
—Sue Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 25 Nov. 2021
Technically it's called the furcula and acts to strengthen the thoracic skeleton, supporting the wing strut.
—Sue Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 25 Nov. 2021
Thanks to the discovery of his furcula, or wishbone, scientists have learned more about dinosaurs' relationship to birds.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Oct. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'furcula.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Furcula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/furcula. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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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