Ephyrula

/ɛˌfaɪˈruːlə/ noun

Definition

A very young or early-stage ephyra, or a diminutive form referring to a newly formed jellyfish larva.

Etymology

From ephyra with the diminutive suffix '-ula,' which makes nouns smaller or younger, as in 'formula' or 'spatula'—literally a 'little ephyra.'

Kelly Says

The diminutive '-ula' is wonderful in scientific names—it lets scientists say 'we're talking about a tiny or early version of this,' so ephyrula = adorably small jellyfish baby.

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