(Zool.) A peculiar early larval stage of certain starfishes, having a bilateral structure, and swimming by means of bands of vibrating cilia.
brachiolaria
brachiolaria
[‚bra·kē·ō′la·re·ə] (invertebrate zoology) A transitional larva in the development of certain starfishes that is distinguished by three anterior processes homologous with those of the adult.