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springtail |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Springtail \Spring"tail`\, n. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small apterous insects belonging to the order {Thysanura}. They have two elastic caudal stylets which can be bent under the abdomen and then suddenly extended like a spring, thus enabling them to leap to a considerable distance. See {Collembola}, and {Podura}. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Pintail \Pin"tail`\, n. 1. (Zo["o]l.) A northern duck ({Dafila acuta}), native of both continents. The adult male has a long, tapering tail. Called also {gray duck}, {piketail}, {piket-tail}, {spike-tail}, {split-tail}, {springtail}, {sea pheasant}, and {gray widgeon}. 2. (Zo["o]l.) The sharp-tailed grouse of the great plains and Rocky Mountains ({Pedioc[ae]tes phasianellus}); -- called also {pintailed grouse}, {pintailed chicken}, {springtail}, and {sharptail}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: springtail n : 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 [syn: {collembolan}]
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