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springtail

[ spring-teyl ]

noun

  1. any of numerous minute, wingless primitive insects of the order Collembola, most possessing a special abdominal appendage for jumping that allows for the nearly perpetual springing springing spring pattern characteristic of the group.


springtail

/ ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

  1. any primitive wingless insect of the order Collembola, having a forked springing organ with which it projects itself forward
“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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Word History and Origins

Origin of springtail1

First recorded in 1790–1800; spring + tail 1
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Example Sentences

Some of nature’s extreme self-launchers, the springtails, turn out to be much more acrobatic than scientists thought.

The spring serves the Collembola which possess it as an efficient leaping-organ (see Springtail).

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Springsteen, Brucespring tide