ancestrula

noun

an·​ces·​tru·​la

anˈsestrələ,

aan-

plural ancestrulae

-ˌlē

or ancestrulas

: the primary or first zooid of a bryozoan colony from which secondary individuals are formed by budding

ancestrular

(ˈ)⸗¦⸗⸗lə(r)

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English ancestor + New Latin -ula

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!