zoea

 

Entry from US Dictionary

Pronunciation: /zōˈēə/

noun (plural zoeae /zōˈēˌē/ or zoeas)

  • a larval form of certain crustaceans, such as the crab, having a spiny carapace and rudimentary limbs on the abdomen and thorax.

Origin:

early 19th century: modern Latin, from Greek zōē 'life'