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frenulum

[ fren-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural fren·u·la [fren, -y, uh, -l, uh].
  1. Anatomy, Zoology. a small frenum.
  2. Entomology. a strong spine or group of bristles on the hindwing of many butterflies and moths, projecting beneath the forewing and serving to hold the two wings together in flight. Compare jugum ( def 1 ).


frenulum

/ ˈfrɛnjʊləm /

noun

  1. a strong bristle or group of bristles on the hind wing of some moths and other insects, by which the forewing and hind wing are united during flight
  2. a small fraenum
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Other Words From

  • fren·u·lar adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of frenulum1

First recorded in 1890–95; New Latin, from frēn(um) frenum + -ulum, neuter of -ulus -ule
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Word History and Origins

Origin of frenulum1

C18: New Latin, diminutive of Latin frēnum bridle
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Compare Meanings

How does frenulum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

A deficient or excessive development of the lingual frenulum may also interfere with the movements of the tongue (tongue-tie).

Several of the families in this group have lost the frenulum.

If due to a tight frenulum, this requires the attention of a doctor.

This process is termed the retinaculum, and serves, in conjunction with the frenulum, to lock the wings together during flight.

In many of the Lepidoptera both frenulum and retinaculum are entirely wanting.

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Frenkel defectfrenum