Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Planula
‖
Plan′u-la
,Noun.
pl.
Planulæ
(#)
. [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
. 2.
(Zool.)
The very young, free-swimming larva of the cœlenterates. It usually has a flattened oval or oblong form, and is entirely covered with cilia.
Definition 2024
planula
planula
English
Noun
planula (plural planulae)
- (biology) 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.
- (zoology) The larva of a hydrozoan, which is free-swimming and covered in cilia.
Derived terms
- planular
- planulate