furcula

noun

1. 1

   A forked process or structure, generally two-pronged.

2. 2

   The forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles in birds, the wishbone or merrythought.

3. 3

   The (two-pronged) forked, somewhat tail-like organ held bent forward and secured by a catch beneath most species of Collembola (springtails), with which they jump by releasing the catch abruptly when alarmed.