/teuh nak"yeuh leuhm/ , n. , pl. tenacula /-leuh/ .
1. Surg. a small sharp-pointed hook set in a handle, used for seizing and picking up parts in operations and dissections.
2. Entomol. a clasplike appendage on the abdomen of a springtail, which holds the springing device in place.
[ 1685-95; tenaculum instrument for gripping, equiv. to ten ( ere ) to hold + -a- (from v. stems ending in -a-; see GUBERNACULUM) + -culum -CULE 2 ]