Definitions

1. noun

The first larval stage of many marine animals, especially crustaceans and echinoderms, such as starfish and sea urchins.

“The protozoea of the sea urchin undergoes metamorphosis to form a juvenile.”

2. noun

The first stage in the development of certain invertebrates, such as jellyfish and corals, in which they are free-swimming larvae.

“The protozoea of the coral polyp drifts in the ocean before settling on a reef.”