✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

ancestrula

noun

an·​ces·​tru·​la
anˈsestrələ
aan-
plural ancestrulae
-ˌlē
or ancestrulas
: the primary or first zooid of a bryozoan colony from which secondary individuals are formed by budding
ancestrular
(ˈ)⸗¦⸗⸗lə(r)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English ancestor + New Latin -ula

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestrula was in 1899

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ancestrula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestrula. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!