larval

Variant of larva

larva definition

larva (lär′və)

noun pl. larvae -·vae′ (-vē′) or larvas -·vas

the early, free-living, immature form of any animal that changes structurally when it becomes an adult, usually by a complex metamorphosis the caterpillar is the larva of the butterfly, the tadpole is the larva of the frog

Etymology: L, ghost, specter, akin to lar, household spirit: see lares

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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