brachiolaria

noun

brach·​i·​o·​lar·​ia
ˌbrakēōˈla(a)rēə
plural brachiolariae
-rēˌē
: a transitional larva of certain starfishes that develops from the bipinnaria and is distinguished by possession of three anterior processes homologous with those of the adult starfish
brachiolarian
¦⸗⸗⸗¦⸗rēən
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from brachiola + -aria

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“Brachiolaria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brachiolaria. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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