larva
[ˈlɑɾ.və (English) / ˈlaɾ.və (Portuguese)]
nounfemininepl: larvae (English) / larvas (Portuguese)
larva
1. The immature form of an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis, typically quite different in appearance from the adult
The caterpillar is the larva stage of a butterfly.
A lagarta é o estágio larval de uma borboleta.
2. The early developmental stage of certain marine animals such as fish or crustaceans
Fish larvae drift in ocean currents until they develop into juveniles.
As larvas de peixe flutuam nas correntes oceânicas até se desenvolverem em juvenis.
3. A metaphorical term referring to an early, underdeveloped, or primitive form of something
The startup was still in its larval stage of development.
A startup ainda estava em seu estágio larval de desenvolvimento.
The term 'larva' is primarily used in scientific, educational, and biological contexts in both Brazil and the United States. In Brazilian Portuguese, specific larval forms have common names (lagarta for caterpillar, bichano or larva for maggots) that are used colloquially. The metaphorical use of 'larva' to describe early-stage development is increasingly common in business and technology discussions.
Related Idioms & Phrases
larva de crime (Portuguese) - a young criminal or someone showing early signs of criminal behavior
em estado larval - in an early, underdeveloped state
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