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Definition of: pupa
(py
′pə) noun plural ·pae (-pē)
1. Entomol. The quiescent stage in the development of an insect that undergoes a complete metamorphosis, following the larval and preceding the adult stage; also, an insect in such a stage.
2. Zool. A similar developmental state in some echinoderms, as holothurians, [<NL <L, a girl, doll, puppet]
—pu′pal adjective
a. Three pupal stages of a bumblebee.
b. Aquatic pupa of a gnat.
c. Suspended pupa of a butterfly.
d. Girdled pupa of a butterfly.
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