Body plan
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 The morphological features common to a group of (typically, related) animals.
"In a radiate body plan, as shown by a star-fish, the body is composed on the principle of converging rays, the antimeres; each of the latter is bilaterally symmetrical, with a distinction between dorsal and ventral, and contains a series of "organs"; and each of these organs has its minor parts."
- 2 A model used in the construction of a boat or ship, composed to transverse sections perpendicular to the keel.
"The middle line of the body plan, or fore perpendicular, is drawn square to the base, and the half siding of the stem and stern-post on each side of it."
- 3 A scheme of diet and exercise designed to maintain a healthy body.
"The first day of your pure body plan should be a Friday."
Example
More examples"In a radiate body plan, as shown by a star-fish, the body is composed on the principle of converging rays, the antimeres; each of the latter is bilaterally symmetrical, with a distinction between dorsal and ventral, and contains a series of "organs"; and each of these organs has its minor parts."