zoea

zoea Definition

zoea (zō ē′ə)

noun pl. zoeae zo·e′ae′ (-ē′ē′) or zoeas zo·e′as

an early, free-swimming larval stage of various decapod crustaceans, characterized by long, curved anterior and dorsal spines on the carapace

Etymology: ModL < Gr zōē, life, akin to zōion (see bio-) + -ea < L, fem. of -eus, -eous

Related Forms:

zoea Usage Examples

Converse of object

Adjective modifier

planktonic: Most species develop through planktonic zoea and other larval stages, but some with direct development.

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