Furcula: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
furcula
[ หfษหrkjสlษ ]
anatomy, zoology
A furcula, commonly known as the wishbone, is a forked bone found in birds and some dinosaurs. It is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles and plays a crucial role in flight by providing structural support and aiding in the mechanics of wing movement. The term can also refer to similar structures in other species, where it serves a comparable function.
Synonyms
clavicle, forked bone, wishbone
Examples of usage
- The furcula enables birds to absorb the stresses of flight.
- Dinosaur fossils often reveal well-preserved furcula, aiding in classification.
- The wishbone tradition is rooted in the anatomy of birds, specifically the furcula.
Translations
Translations of the word "furcula" in other languages:
๐ต๐น furcula
๐ฎ๐ณ เคซเฅเคฐเฅเคเฅเคฒเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Furcula
๐ฎ๐ฉ furcula
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะบัะปะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ furcula
๐ฏ๐ต ใใซใฏใฉ
๐ซ๐ท furcule
๐ช๐ธ furcula
๐น๐ท furcula
๐ฐ๐ท ํธ๋ฅด์ฟจ๋ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุฑูููุง
๐จ๐ฟ furcula
๐ธ๐ฐ furcula
๐จ๐ณ ๅ้ชจ
๐ธ๐ฎ furcula
๐ฎ๐ธ furcula
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัััะบัะปะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แคแฃแ แแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ furcula
๐ฒ๐ฝ furcula
Etymology
The term 'furcula' comes from the Latin word 'furca,' which means 'fork' or 'pitchfork.' The use of 'furca' in a biological context dates back to the early 19th century when anatomists began to describe structures in birds and reptiles that resembled a fork in shape. This bone's significance in supporting avian flight mechanics led to its detailed study by ornithologists and paleontologists. The word has since become established in modern anatomy and zoology to describe not only the bird's wishbone but also analogous structures in other vertebrates, illustrating the evolutionary adaptations that support flight.