1. A forked or Y-shaped anatomical structure, especially the wishbone (furcula) in birds.
Usage: technical; anatomy; zoology
2. In springtails (Collembola), a forked abdominal appendage used for jumping.
Usage: technical; entomology

Examples

• The furculum in birds is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles.
• Ornithologists study the furculum to understand avian skeletal structure.
• The springtail's furculum allows it to leap several times its body length.
• A broken furculum can affect a bird's flight mechanics.
• The furculum serves as an attachment point for flight muscles in many bird species.