caterpillars

1 definition found

caterpillars - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Larva \Lar"va\ (l[aum]r"v[.a]), n.; pl. L. Larv[ae]
     (l[aum]r"v[ae]), E. Larvas (l[aum]r"v[.a]z). [L. larva
     ghost, specter, mask.]
     1. (Zool.) Any young insect from the time that it hatches
        from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During
        this time it usually molts several times, and may change
        its form or color each time. The larv[ae] of many insects
        are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no
        trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in
        the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larv[ae]
        are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits,
        and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) The early, immature form of any animal when more
        or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the
        assumption of the mature shape.
        [1913 Webster]