larval

[ lahr-vuhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or in the form of a larva.
2. Also lar·vate [] (of a disease) masked; not clearly defined.

Other Words From

• post·larval adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of larval¹

From the Latin word larvālis, dating back to 1650–60. See larva, -al ¹

Example Sentences

After being exposed to the stress of starvation and physical injury, the comb jellies in Soto-Angel’s care reverted back to a cydippid larval stage.

From Salon

Lead researcher Dr Martin Smith said this was a dream fossil, in part because it was preserved in its larval, or immature, stage - when its body was still developing.

From BBC

The black dots are larval tracks pushing into an oak, while the white object is a pupa preparing to become an adult.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re carnivorous creatures that use stinging tentacles hanging below the surface to catch prey such as copepods, fish eggs, larval fish and smaller plankton.

From Los Angeles Times

Changes in precipitation patterns, another critical factor for firefly survival, have led to either overly dry conditions that reduce larval survival or excessively wet conditions that can flood breeding grounds and disrupt life cycles.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• elemental
• elementary
• embryonic
• primitive
• simple