collembolan

9.9

A very small wingless insect with a tail-like spring that lets it jump

noun
/kəˈlɛmbəˌlən/

Specialized

: colémbolo

A collembolan can leap many times its body length thanks to its springing organ.

Examples

Farmers appreciate the role of collembolans in decomposing organic matter in the soil.
Scientists discovered a new species of collembolan living on the surface of Antarctic snow.
I found a collembolan in the garden.
The collembolans are vital for soil health.
A collembolan can leap many times its body length thanks to its springing organ.
Farmers appreciate the role of collembolans in decomposing organic matter in the soil.
Scientists discovered a new species of collembolan living on the surface of Antarctic snow.

Synonyms

insect

vscollembolan

285 1.0

A small animal with a body in three parts, six legs and often wings

is narrower and wingless and tiny with a special jumping abdominal appendage

springtail

vscollembolan

Specialized

1 9.9

A very small insect without wings that jumps using a forked tail

is found mainly in soil or on organic surfaces rather than snow or water

Surface Forms

collembolan singular

collembolans plural

Morphology

collembolan = collembola (semi-transparent) = collembola + an

The form is a regular derivation from the scientific name 'collembola' with the productive suffix '-an', but the base is a specialized technical term and may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Collembolan comes from the scientific group name Collembola, the Latin-style name for the tiny insects we often call springtails. Think of a 'springing organ' under their body and a 'tail' that lets them jump, which is why the name fits their quick, leaping habit.