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Definition of larval

larval

/ˈlɑːrvəl/
lar · val
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larval Lexical Profile

larval Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, characteristic of, or being in the immature, wingless, and often wormlike feeding stage of an insect or other metamorphosing animal.

Example

"Many amphibians spend their larval stage breathing through gills in freshwater ponds before developing lungs."

2

In an early, immature, or undeveloped state; not yet fully formed.

Example

"The startup's business model was still in a larval stage and required significant refinement."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for larval

• Nearby Words

larper
larrikin
larva
larval
laryngitis
larynx
las vegas

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century from 'larva' plus the suffix '-al', ultimately from Latin 'larva' meaning 'ghost' or 'mask', chosen by Carl Linnaeus because the immature insect stage disguises the adult form.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Larval. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/larval
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