1Shipbuilding an end elevation of a ship, showing the breadth, contour of the sides, etc., at various points along its length (in wooden ships at the principal timbers).
2Zoology the general anatomical organization typical of animals of a particular phylum or other major group.
Origin
Late 18th century.
Definition of body plan in US English:
body plan
noun
1Shipbuilding an end elevation of a ship, showing the breadth, contour of the sides, etc., at various points along its length (in wooden ships at the principal timbers).
2Zoology the general anatomical organization typical of animals of a particular phylum or other major group.