n.; pl. L. Larvæ E. Larvas [ 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 larvæ 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 larvæ 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 ]

prop. n. A class sometimes classified as an order.
Syn. -- class Larvacea. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ L. larvalis ghostly. See Larva. ] (Zool.) Of or pertaining to a larva. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖prop. n. pl. [ NL. See Larval. ] (Zool.) An order of Tunicata, including Appendicularia, and allied genera; -- so called because certain larval features are retained by them through life. Called also Copelata. See Appendicularia. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. larva mask. ] Masked; hence, concealed; obscure; -- applied in medicine to doubtful cases of some diseases; as, larvate pneumonis; larvate epilepsy. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. [ L. larvatus bewitched. See Larva. ] Masked; clothed as with a mask. [ 1913 Webster ]