Word Study
planula
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun planula has 1 sense
CIDE DICTIONARY
planula, n. [L., a little plane.].
- In embryonic development, a vesicle filled with fluid, formed from the morula by the divergence of its cells in such a manner as to give rise to a central space, around which the cells arrange themselves as an envelope; an embryonic form intermediate between the morula and gastrula. Sometimes used as synonymous with
gastrula . [1913 Webster] - The very young, free-swimming larva of the cœlenterates. It usually has a flattened oval or oblong form, and is entirely covered with cilia. [1913 Webster]
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