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
The presence of this furcula alongside Baminornis hints at a richer and more complex avian ecosystem than previously envisioned in the Jurassic period.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
At first, wishes were made on the unbroken bones of the furcula by gently stroking them.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 26 Nov. 2024
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
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
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Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
At first, wishes were made on the unbroken bones of the furcula by gently stroking them.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 26 Nov. 2024
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Furcula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/furcula. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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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