planula

[ plan-yuh-luh ]

noun

, Zoology.

, plural plan·u·lae [plan, -y, uh, -lee].

1. the ciliate, free-swimming larva of a coelenterate.

planula

/ ˈplænjʊlə /

noun

1. the ciliated free-swimming larva of hydrozoan coelenterates such as the hydra

planula

/ plăn′yə-lə /

, Plural planulae plăn′yə-lē′

1. The flat, free-swimming, ciliated larva of a cnidarian.

Derived Forms

• ˈplanular, adjective

Other Words From

• planu·lar plan·u·late [plan, -y, uh, -leyt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of planula¹

1865–70; < New Latin, diminutive of Latin plānum something flat. See plane ¹, -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of planula¹

C19: from New Latin: a little plane, from Latin plānum level ground

Example Sentences

Planula, plan′ū-la, n. the locomotory embryo of the cœlenterates.

From Project Gutenberg

The upper surface of the planula then becomes depressed and forms a gullet, and in time a complete animal is formed.

From Project Gutenberg

The name Planula signifies "wandering animal," because the Planula larva swims about by means of cilia.

From Project Gutenberg

The Turbellarians have some features in common with the Cœlenterate planula.

From Project Gutenberg

The larva has now become a planula, and consists of a closed sack with double walls.

From Project Gutenberg