Definition: Larva

From New World Encyclopedia
(Redirected from Larva)

Etymology

From Latin larva (“ghost-like, masked”).

Noun

larva (plural larvas or larvae or larvæ)

  1. An early stage of growth for some insects, in which they are wingless and resemble a caterpillar or grub after hatching from their egg
  2. An animal in the aforementioned stage.
  3. A form of a recently born or hatched animal that is quite different from its adult stage.

Usage notes

Although the plural is somewhat common, it is regarded by some as incorrect.

Derived terms

  • larval
  • mosquito larva

Credits

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