furcula

Definitions

• (anatomy) A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.
• (ornithology) The forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles in birds, the wishbone or merrythought.
• (entomology) The (two-pronged) forked, somewhat tail-like organ held bent forward and secured by a catch beneath most species of Collembola (springtails), with which they jump by releasing the catch abruptly when alarmed.