leptocephalus

noun

lep·​to·​ceph·​a·​lus ˌlep-tə-ˈse-fə-ləs How to pronounce leptocephalus (audio)
plural leptocephali ˌlep-tə-ˈse-fə-ˌlī How to pronounce leptocephalus (audio)
-ˌlē
: a long thin small-headed transparent pelagic first larva of various eels

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek leptos + kephalē head — more at cephalic

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leptocephalus was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near leptocephalus

leptocephalous

leptocephalus

leptocercal

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Leptocephalus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leptocephalus. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on leptocephalus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leptocephalus

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