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Glite Dictionary
calcar

calcar

9.9
A small pointed growth on an animal or plant that supports a wing and holds nectar
  • noun
  • /ˈkæl.kɑr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calcar
  • In zoology, the calcar serves as an important adaptation for climbing species.

Examples

  • The calcar in the bird's wing helps support its flight structure.

  • In modern terminology, hippocampus minor has been dropped in favor of the earlier name calcar avis, or "cock's spur," in reference to visual similarity to the weapon on a rooster's leg that promotes the "sport" of cockfighting.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The anatomical study revealed a distinct calcar on the bone structure of the species.

Synonyms

spur
vscalcar
5 5.4

A sharp pointed part that sticks out from a plant or animal

is the same shape but used specifically in anatomy and zoology

Surface Forms

calcar singular
calcars plural

Etymology

Calcar comes from the Latin word calcar, which means 'spur', like the small spike on a bird's leg or the metal spur on a rider's boot. So in anatomy a calcar is a 'spur-shaped' part that sticks out and helps support or hold other parts, which is why the word now means a small spur-like projection.