zoea

American  

[zoh-ee-uh] / zoʊˈi ə /

noun

Zoology.

plural

zoeae, zoeas

1. any of the free-swimming larva of certain crustaceans, as the crab, having rudimentary legs and a spiny carapace.

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zoea British  

/ zəʊˈiːə /

noun

1. the free-swimming larva of a crab or related crustacean, which has well-developed abdominal appendages and may bear one or more spines

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Other Word Forms

• zoeal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of zoea

1820–30; < New Latin, equivalent to Greek zō ( ḗ ) life + New Latin -ea -ea

Example Sentences

Consequently these processes of the carapace may be regarded as acquired by the Zoea itself in the struggle for existence.

From Facts and Arguments for Darwin by Muller, Fritz

When a fresh-water decapod crustacean is born with an almost mature structure, and therefore does not pass, like other decapods, through the Zoea stage, is this not a case of acceleration?

From More Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 1 by Darwin, Francis, Sir

Older Zoea of the same Prawn, magnified 45 diam.

From Facts and Arguments for Darwin by Muller, Fritz

Far more profound is the difference of the youngest brood from the sexually mature animal in by far the greater majority of the Podophthalma, which quit the egg in the form of Zoea.

From Facts and Arguments for Darwin by Muller, Fritz

Young Zoea of the same Prawn, magnified 45 diam.

From Facts and Arguments for Darwin by Muller, Fritz