body plan

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

bod′y plan′, 

1. Developmental Biology, Biology [Biol.] the basic shape of members of an animal phylum;
   the general structure each individual organism assumes as it develops. Cf. bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry.
2. Nautical, Naval Terms [Naval Archit.] a diagrammatic elevation of a hull, consisting of an end view of the bow on one side of the center line and an end view of the stern on the other side, marked with water lines, diagonals, bow or buttock lines, stations, and sometimes details of the hull. Cf. half-breadth plan, sheer plan.
• 1840–50