(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. springtail
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
‖n. pl. [ NL., fr. Gr. ko`lla glue + 'e`mbolon wedge, peg; -- so called from their having collophores. ] (Zool.) The division of Thysanura which includes Podura, and allied forms. [ 1913 Webster ]