frenulum

[ fren-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural fren·u·la [fren, -y, uh, -l, uh].

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a small frenum.
2. Entomology. a strong spine or group of bristles on the hindwing of many butterflies and moths, projecting beneath the forewing and serving to hold the two wings together in flight. Compare jugum ( def 1 ).

frenulum

/ ˈfrɛnjʊləm /

noun

1. a strong bristle or group of bristles on the hind wing of some moths and other insects, by which the forewing and hind wing are united during flight
2. a small fraenum

Other Words From

• fren·u·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of frenulum¹

First recorded in 1890–95; New Latin, from frēn(um) frenum + -ulum, neuter of -ulus -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of frenulum¹

C18: New Latin, diminutive of Latin frēnum bridle

Example Sentences

A deficient or excessive development of the lingual frenulum may also interfere with the movements of the tongue (tongue-tie).

From Project Gutenberg

Several of the families in this group have lost the frenulum.

From Project Gutenberg

If due to a tight frenulum, this requires the attention of a doctor.

From Project Gutenberg

This process is termed the retinaculum, and serves, in conjunction with the frenulum, to lock the wings together during flight.

From Project Gutenberg

In many of the Lepidoptera both frenulum and retinaculum are entirely wanting.

From Project Gutenberg