amphiblastula
|am-phi-blas-tu-la|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˌæm.fɪˈblæs.tʃə.lə/
🇬🇧
/ˌæm.fɪˈblæs.tjʊ.lə/
sponge larval stage
Etymology
Etymology Information
'amphiblastula' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'amphi-' meaning 'both' and 'blastula' meaning 'a small bud or sprout'.
Historical Evolution
'Amphiblastula' was directly borrowed from Greek into modern scientific terminology.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a 'small bud or sprout' in a general sense, but over time it evolved to specifically denote a larval stage in sponges.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of larval stage in certain sponges, characterized by a hollow, ciliated structure.
The amphiblastula stage is crucial for the dispersal of sponge larvae.
Last updated: 2025/07/21 02:36