Antizoea

/ˌæntiˈzoʊiə/ noun

Definition

In zoology, a larval stage in certain crustaceans that follows or opposes the zoea stage in development.

Etymology

From anti- (opposite/against) + zoea (a larval stage of crustaceans, from Greek zōe meaning life). The prefix indicates this stage comes after or contrasts with the typical zoea phase.

Kelly Says

Crustaceans go through bizarre transformations—they're basically tiny aliens shedding their skin repeatedly, and scientists needed special vocabulary to track each microscopic stage of this alien-like metamorphosis.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.