Collembola

plural noun

Col·​lem·​bo·​la

kə-ˈlem-bə-lə

: an order of small primitively wingless arthropods that are related to or sometimes classed among the true insects, are characterized by presence of a collophore on the first abdominal segment, not more than 6 abdominal segments, 3 pairs of legs, and usually a forked caudal furcula, are found especially in soil rich in organic debris or on the surface of snow or water, and comprise the springtails

collembolous

kə-ˈlem-bə-ləs 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from coll- + -embola (from Greek embolos, embolon peg, wedge); from their collophore

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