furca
|fur-ca|
🇺🇸
/ˈfɜrkə/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɜːkə/
fork, forked projection
Etymology
'furca' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'furca', where it meant 'fork', 'pitchfork' or a two-pronged forked implement.
'furca' was used in Classical Latin with the literal meaning 'fork' and continued in Medieval and Ecclesiastical Latin; in English it survives chiefly as a technical or scholarly borrowing (especially in zoological/anatomical contexts).
Initially, it meant a literal 'fork' or forked stake (often with social or punitive uses); over time its use in English narrowed to specialized, technical senses referring to forked structures or appendages.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a forked or bifurcating anatomical or structural projection; used in zoology (e.g., the springtail's furca) and in technical descriptions to denote a fork-like appendage or structure.
The springtail released its furca and was propelled into the air.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 13:13