larva
[ lahr-vuh ]
/ ˈlɑr və /
noun, plural lar·vae [lahr-vee] /ˈlɑr vi/.
Entomology.
the immature, wingless, feeding stage of an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis.
any animal in an analogous immature form.
the young of any invertebrate animal.
larvae, Roman Antiquity.
malignant ghosts, as lemures.
Origin of larva
1645–55; < New Latin; special use of Latin
larva a ghost, specter, mask, skeleton; akin to
Lares
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH larva
larva lavaWords nearby larva
lars,
larsa,
larsen ice shelf,
lartigue,
larum,
larva,
larva currens,
larva migrans,
larval,
larval therapy,
larvate
Example sentences from the Web for larvae
British Dictionary definitions for larvae
larva
/ (ˈlɑːvə) /
noun plural -vae (-viː)
an immature free-living form of many animals that develops into a different adult form by metamorphosis
Derived forms of larva
larval, adjectiveWord Origin for larva
C18: (C17 in the original Latin sense: ghost): New Latin
Medical definitions for larvae
larva
[ lär′və ]
n. pl. lar•vas
The newly hatched, wingless, often wormlike form of many insects before metamorphosis.
The newly hatched, earliest stage of any of various animals that undergo metamorphosis, differing markedly in form and appearance from the adult.
Other words from larva
lar′val adj.Scientific definitions for larvae
larva
[ lär′və ]
Plural larvae (lär′vē) larvas
An animal in an early stage of development that differs greatly in appearance from its adult stage. Larvae are adapted to a different environment and way of life from those of adults and go through a process of metamorphosis in changing to adults. Tadpoles are the larvae of frogs and toads.
The immature, wingless, and usually wormlike feeding form of those insects that undergo three stages of metamorphosis, such as butterflies, moths, and beetles. Insect larvae hatch from eggs, later turn into pupae, and finally turn into adults. Compare imago nymph pupa.