Larval - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Larval refers to the immature, early stage of an animal’s life cycle, especially insects or amphibians, before it undergoes metamorphosis into its adult form. Example: A caterpillar is the larval stage of a butterfly.
Definition:
Relating to the immature, wingless form of insects and other invertebrates before metamorphosis.
Synonyms:
immature, undeveloped, juvenile
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
adult, mature
Common Collocations:
larval stage, larval development, larval form
Derivatives:
larvae, larvally
Usage Tips:
Use "larval" to describe early life stages of insects or other organisms before they undergo transformation.
Common Phrases:
larval stage of development, in its larval form
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "larva," meaning "ghost" or "mask," later used for immature insect forms resembling ghosts.
Examples:
- 1. The caterpillar is in its larval stage before becoming a butterfly.
- 2. Mosquitoes spend their larval phase in water before emerging as adults.
- 3. Scientists study larval fish to understand their growth patterns.
- 4. The tadpole is the larval form of a frog.