pluteus

(plo̵̅o̅t′ē əs)

noun pl. plutei

Zool. the free-swimming, ciliated, larval stage of sea urchins and brittle stars, characterized by elongated, slender arms

Origin: ModL < L, shelf, backrest (< IE *plouto-, structure of boards > ON fleythr, rafter): from being shaped like a painter's easel

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