ancestrula

noun

an·​ces·​tru·​la
anˈsestrələ,
aan-
plural ancestrulae
-ˌlē
or ancestrulas
: the primary or first zooid of a bryozoan colony from which secondary individuals are formed by budding
ancestrular
(ˈ)⸗¦⸗⸗lə(r)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English ancestor + New Latin -ula

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancestrula was in 1899

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Dictionary Entries Near ancestrula

Cite this Entry

“Ancestrula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancestrula. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

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