1. of or relating to the earliest stage of nematode (roundworm) development, particularly before the formation of the first larval stage
Usage: technical; biology; zoology

Examples

• The protonematal phase occurs immediately after egg hatching in many parasitic roundworms.
• Researchers studied protonematal development to understand the life cycle of the nematode.
• Protonematal structures are difficult to observe under standard microscopy.
• The protonematal stage precedes the first molt in most nematode species.