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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Larva \Lar"va\ (l[aum]r"v[.a]), n.; pl. L. {Larv[ae]}
(l[aum]r"v[ae]), E. {Larvas} (l[aum]r"v[.a]z). [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 larv[ae] 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 larv[ae]
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]