larva
|lar-va|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈlɑːrvə/
🇬🇧
/ˈlɑːvə/
immature insect form
Etymology
Etymology Information
'larva' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'larva,' where it meant 'ghost' or 'mask.'
Historical Evolution
'larva' was borrowed directly from Latin into English, retaining its original form and meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'ghost' or 'mask,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'immature insect form.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the immature, wingless, and often wormlike feeding form that hatches from the egg of many insects, such as a butterfly or beetle, before metamorphosis into a pupa or adult.
The caterpillar is the larva of a butterfly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/21 01:32