zoëa

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word zoëa. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word zoëa, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say zoëa in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word zoëa you have here. The definition of the word zoëa will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofzoëa, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
See also: zoea

English

Zoëa of Gnathophausia

Alternative forms

Etymology

From New Latin zōaea, zōēa, from Ancient Greek ζωή (zōḗ, life) (compare ζῷον (zôion)).

Pronunciation

Noun

zoëa (plural zoëas or zoëae)

  1. (zoology) A larval stage of certain decapod crustaceans, especially of decapods such as crabs and certain Anomura, also called the copepod stage, characterized by spines on the carapace and rudimentary thoracic and abdominal limbs.

Usage notes

  • In this stage the anterior part of the body is relatively large, and usually bears three or four long spines. The years are conspicuous, and the antennae and jaws are long, fringed organs used in swimming. The thoracic legs are undeveloped or rudimentary, the abdomen long, slender, and often without appendages. The zoëa, after casting its shell, changes to a megalops. This was originally thought to be a distinct genus.

Translations

References