collembolan

noun

col·​lem·​bo·​lan kə-ˈlem-bə-lən How to pronounce collembolan (audio)
collembolan adjective
or collembolous

Examples of collembolan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For the most part, the critters eat insects and collembolans, a soft-bodied hexapod. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 16 Mar. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'collembolan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from coll- + Greek embolos wedge, stopper — more at embolus

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collembolan was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near collembolan

Cite this Entry

“Collembolan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collembolan. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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