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frenulum

frenulum

9.9
A small stiff hair on a moth's back wing that connects to the front wing for flight
  • noun
  • /ˈfrɛn.jə.ləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : frenillo
  • Without a functioning frenulum, the moth struggled to fly properly.

Examples

  • The moth's frenulum helps stabilize its flight.

  • The entomology textbook included a diagram showing the frenulum on the hindwing of a moth.

  • The scientist carefully observed the frenulum to understand how the moth's wings were connected.

  • Some species of moths have a well-developed frenulum.

  • The entomology textbook included a diagram showing the frenulum on the hindwing of a moth.

  • Without a functioning frenulum, the moth struggled to fly properly.

  • The scientist carefully observed the frenulum to understand how the moth's wings were connected.

Surface Forms

frenulum singular
frenula plural

Etymology

Frenulum comes from the Latin word frenum, meaning 'bridle' or 'a strap used to control a horse', so imagine a tiny bridle on a moth that connects the hindwing to the forewing and keeps the wings working together.