larva

lar·va

noun \ˈlär-və\

plural lar·vae\-(ˌ)vē, -ˌvī\ also larvas

Definition of LARVA

1

: the immature, wingless, and often wormlike feeding form that hatches from the egg of many insects, alters chiefly in size while passing through several molts, and is finally transformed into a pupa or chrysalis from which the adult emerges

2

: the early form of an animal (as a frog or sea urchin) that at birth or hatching is fundamentally unlike its parent and must metamorphose before assuming the adult characters

— lar·val \-vəl\ adjective

Examples of LARVA

1. The larva of a butterfly is called a caterpillar.
2. <the larva looked ugly, but it was destined to hatch into a beautiful butterfly>

Origin of LARVA

New Latin, from Latin, specter, mask; akin to Latin lar Lar

First Known Use: 1768

Related to LARVA

Synonyms: naiad, nymph

Related Words: pupa

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