dipleurula

noun

di·​pleu·​ru·​la
dīˈplu̇r(y)ələ
plural dipleurulas
-ləz
or dipleurulae
-ˌlē
1
: a hypothetical bilaterally symmetrical echinoderm larva sometimes regarded as a common ancestor of echinoderms and chordates
2
: a larval echinoderm (such as a bipinnaria or an echinopluteus)
not used technically

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from dipleura bilaterally symmetrical organisms (from di- + -pleura) + -ula

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Cite this Entry

“Dipleurula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dipleurula. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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