nepionic
/ˌniːpɪˈɒnɪk/Biology
adjective
Designating the early postembryonic stages of ontogeny, specifically the stage between the embryonic and the neanic; of, relating to, or at such a stage of development.
- Applied variously in different groups of organisms, but especially to the earliest stage of shell growth in molluscs..
Origin
Late 19th century. From ancient Greek νήπιος infant, child (of uncertain origin) + -onic.