Meaning & Definition of word "Vertebrate"

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.