'Planula' definitions:

Definition of 'planula'

(from WordNet)
noun
The flat ciliated free-swimming larva of hydrozoan coelenterates

Definition of 'Planula'

From: GCIDE
  • Planula \Plan"u*la\, n.; pl. Planul[ae]. [L., a little plane.]
  • 1. (Biol.) 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]
  • 2. (Zool.) The very young, free-swimming larva of the c[oe]lenterates. It usually has a flattened oval or oblong form, and is entirely covered with cilia. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Planula'