Meaning & Definition of word "Larva"
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Larva
/ˈlɑːrvə/
noun:
- 1. The immature, often wormlike form of an insect that hatches from the egg and undergoes metamorphosis into an adult.
- Example: The caterpillar is the larva of the butterfly, which will eventually transform into its beautiful winged form.
- 2. A similar immature form of other animals, especially in the context of marine life.
- Example: The larva of the sea urchin is planktonic and drift through the ocean before settling on the seafloor.
- 3. In the context of certain amphibians, the larval stage often aquatic and undergoing significant transformation.
- Example: Tadpoles are the larval form of frogs, living in water and breathing through gills.
Etymology
Latin 'larva', meaning 'ghost' or 'mask'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
larva of a fly:
Refers specifically to the maggot stage.
larval stage:
The early developmental phase of an organism.
Related Words
metamorphosis:
The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form.
pupa:
The stage in an insect's life cycle between the larva and the adult.
Slang Meanings of larva
Meaning: A term used to describe someone considered to be immature or not contributing.
Example Sentence: He's just a larva in the workplace, not pulling his weight.
Meaning: Referring to someone who is overly dependent or lacks independence.
Example Sentence: Stop being such a larva and learn to do things on your own.