body plan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. Anatomy describes the specific structures of an individual organism. A 'body plan' is a more abstract, generalised blueprint that describes the shared, fundamental layout of a whole group of animals (e.g., all vertebrates).

Typically, no. The term is strongly associated with animal biology (zoology). For plants, terms like 'growth form', 'architecture', or 'morphology' are preferred.

'Bauplan' is the original German term from which the English 'body plan' is derived. In technical biological literature, 'Bauplan' is often used interchangeably with 'body plan'.

Use it to describe the immutable, foundational structure of a non-physical system. Example: 'The body plan of the constitution—its separation of powers—has survived numerous amendments.'

The fundamental architectural blueprint of an animal's body, describing its overall symmetry, segmentation, and arrangement of major organs and limbs.

Body plan is usually technical/scientific (biology, zoology, paleontology); occasionally used in metaphorical academic or design contexts. in register.

Body plan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi plæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi plæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.