Imaginal disks

Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia.
(Zool.) masses of hypodermic cells, carried by the larvæ of some insects after leaving the egg, from which masses the wings and legs of the adult are subsequently formed.

See also: Imaginal

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by G. & C. Merriam Co.
References in periodicals archive
Gehring's group added to fruit flies copies of the vertebrate genes that had been engineered to become active in imaginal disks, embryonic tissues that give rise to adult insect structures like wings and legs.
Eye-opening gene: how many times did eyes arise?
Just before an insect larva changes into a flying adult, it develops white globs of cells called imaginal disks that later become its wings, explains Sean B.
Gene patterns decorate butterflies' wings
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.