actinula

noun

ac·​tin·​u·​la

ak-ˈtin-yə-lə

plural actinulas or actinulae

ak-ˈtin-yə-ˌlē

: a creeping larva of the hydroid generation of certain coelenterates (as Tubularia) that finally attaches and develops into a polyp

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from actin- + -ula

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

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