Planula

Pronunciation: /ˈplæn.jʊ.lə/

Definitions of planula

noun a free-swimming, ciliated larva of a cnidarian, typically following the polyp stage in the life cycle

Example Sentences

A1 A planula is a larval form of a cnidarian.

A2 The planula drifts in the ocean before settling on a suitable substrate.

B1 Scientists study the development of planulae to understand the life cycle of jellyfish.

B2 The planula stage is crucial for the dispersal of coral reef species.

C1 Researchers are investigating the genetic factors that influence planula development.

C2 The ability of planulae to sense environmental cues plays a key role in their survival.

Examples of planula in a Sentence

formal The planula is the larval form of a cnidarian, such as a jellyfish.

informal Did you know that a planula is like a baby jellyfish?

slang That little planula dude looks like a tiny alien!

figurative The planula represents the beginning of a new life cycle in the ocean.

Grammatical Forms of planula

• plural: planulae
• comparative: more planular
• superlative: most planular
• present tense: planula
• future tense: will planula
• perfect tense: has planulaed
• continuous tense: is planulaing
• singular: planula
• positive degree: planula
• infinitive: to planula
• gerund: planulating
• participle: planulaing

Origin and Evolution of planula

First Known Use: 1753 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'planula' originated from Latin, derived from the word 'planus' meaning flat or level.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the field of biology to describe a free-swimming, flattened, ciliated larva of various cnidarians, the term 'planula' has since been adopted in other scientific fields to describe similar larval forms in different organisms.