1  definition  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Zoea  \Zo"["e]*a\,  n.  [NL.,  fr  Gr  ?  life.]  (Zo["o]l.) 
  A  peculiar  larval  stage  of  certain  decapod  Crustacea, 
  especially  of  crabs  and  certain  Anomura.  [Written  also 
  {zo[ae]a}.] 
 
  Note:  In  this  stage  the  anterior  part  of  the  body  is 
  relatively  large  and  usually  bears  three  or  four  long 
  spines.  The  years  are  conspicuous,  and  the  antenn[ae] 
  and  jaws  are  long,  fringed  organs  used  in  swimming.  The 
  thoracic  legs  are  undeveloped  or  rudimentary,  the 
  abdomen  long,  slender,  and  often  without  appendages. 
  The  zo["e]a,  after  casting  its  shell,  changes  to  a 
  megalops. 

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