pupa

noun pu·pa \ˈpyü-pə\

biology : an insect that is in the stage of development between larva and adult

plural pu·pae \-(ˌ)pē also -ˌpī\ or pupas

Full Definition of PUPA

: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of a metamorphic insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) that occurs between the larva and the imago, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or protective covering, and undergoes internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago

— pu·pal \ˈpyü-pəl\ adjective

See pupa defined for English-language learners

See pupa defined for kids

Origin of PUPA

New Latin, from Latin pupa doll

First Known Use: 1815

Rhymes with PUPA

stupa

PUPAE Defined for Kids

pupa

noun pu·pa \ˈpyü-pə\

plural pu·pae \-ˌpē\ or pupas

Definition of PUPA for Kids

: an insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) in an intermediate inactive stage of its growth in which it is enclosed in a cocoon or case

Medical Dictionary

pupa

noun pu·pa \ˈpyü-pə\

plural pu·pae \-(ˌ)pē, -ˌpī\ or pupas

Medical Definition of PUPA

: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of an insect that occurs between the larva and the imago in forms (as a bee, moth, or beetle) which undergo complete metamorphosis and that is characterized by internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago

—pu·pal \ˈpyü-pəl\ adjective