veliger

[ vee-li-jer ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a larval stage of certain mollusks, intermediate between the trochophore and the adult form.

veliger

/ ˈvɛlɪdʒə /

the free-swimming larva of many molluscs, having a rudimentary shell and a ciliated velum used for feeding and locomotion

Origin of veliger¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; velum, -i-, -gerous

Origin of veliger¹

C19: from New Latin, from velum + -ger ( ous )

E, The trochosphere passing to the veliger stage, dorsal view showing the formation of the primitive shell-sac.

Except in Oncidium, there is no longer a veliger stage in development.

There is a veliger stage in development, but the velum is reduced.

It is purely a larval organ, disappearing before the close of the veliger stage.

Trochosphere and veliger stages of development are consequently not recognizable.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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