What does LARVA mean?

Parts of Speech

Noun

Definitions

• The immature, wingless, and often wormlike feeding form that hatches from the egg of many insects, changing ultimately to a pupa or chrysalis before finally becoming an adult.
• A newly hatched, wingless, often wormlike form of many insects that undergoes metamorphosis.

Pronunciations

• US: /ˈlɑrvə/
• UK: /ˈlɑːvə/

Origin and Usage

The word "larva" comes from the Latin word "larva" meaning "a ghost" or "a mask". It was first used in English in the mid-17th century to describe the immature form of insects. Larvae are an important part of the life cycle of many insects and are often used in scientific studies to understand insect development and behavior.

Synonyms

• Caterpillar
• Grub
• Nymph
• Immature stage

Related Words

• Pupae
• Coccyx
• Chyle
• Chyme

Example Sentences

• The larva of the butterfly feeds on leaves.
• The larva of the mosquito lives in water.
• The larva of the beetle burrows into the ground.