collembolan

col·lem·bo·lan  (k-lmb-ln)

n.

See springtail.

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[coll(o)- + Greek embolos, peg, stopper; see embolus.]

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collembolan [kəˈlɛmbələn]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any small primitive wingless insect of the order Collembola, which comprises the springtails

adj

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) of, relating to, or belonging to the Collembola

[from New Latin Collembola, from Greek kolla glue + embolon peg, wedge]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

collembolan - any of numerous minute wingless primitive insects possessing a special abdominal appendage that allows the characteristic nearly perpetual springing pattern; found in soil rich in organic debris or on the surface of snow or water springtail insect - small air-breathing arthropod Collembola, order Collembola - minute wingless arthropods: springtails