Meaning & Definition of word "Vertebrate"
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Vertebrate
/ˈvɜːrtɪbrət/
noun:
- 1. An animal that has a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
- Example: Humans are classified as vertebrates because they have a spinal cord encased in a bony vertebral column.
- 2. Any member of the subphylum Vertebrata, which includes all animals with a vertebral column.
- Example: Frogs and turtles are examples of vertebrates that live both in water and on land.
- 3. An animal that possesses an endoskeleton made of bone or cartilage.
- Example: The vertebrates' complex nervous systems allow for advanced behaviors and adaptations.
Etymology
From Latin 'vertebratus', meaning 'having joints or a spine'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cold-blooded vertebrate:
A vertebrate that regulates its body temperature through external factors.
warm-blooded vertebrate:
A vertebrate that maintains a constant body temperature regardless of the environment.
Related Words
invertebrate:
An animal lacking a backbone.
chordate:
An animal of the phylum Chordata, which includes vertebrates.
Slang Meanings of vertebrate
Meaning: Nerdy animal lover
Example Sentence: She's such a vertebrate, always talking about her pet snakes.
Meaning: Someone who's rational and analytical
Example Sentence: He approaches problems like a vertebrate, thinking through all the angles logically.