n. - An elastic spiral filament for dispersing the spores, as in
some liverworts.
n. - Any beetle of the family Elateridae, having the habit, when
laid on the back, of giving a sudden upward spring, by a quick movement
of the articulation between the abdomen and thorax; -- called also
click beetle, spring beetle, and snapping beetle.
n. - The caudal spring used by Podura and related insects for
leaping. See Collembola.
n. - The active principle of elaterium, being found in the juice
of the wild or squirting cucumber (Ecballium agreste, formerly
Motordica Elaterium) and other related species. It is extracted as a
bitter, white, crystalline substance, which is a violent purgative.