Invertebrate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An invertebrate is an animal without a backbone, such as insects, worms, or jellyfish. They make up most of Earth's animal species and live in diverse habitats.
Definition:
An animal lacking a backbone, such as insects, worms, or mollusks.
Synonyms:
spineless creature, boneless animal, arthropod
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
vertebrate, chordate
Common Collocations:
marine invertebrates, invertebrate species, invertebrate zoology
Derivatives:
invertebracy, invertebral
Usage Tips:
Use "invertebrate" to describe animals without backbones or metaphorically for weak-willed individuals.
Common Phrases:
spineless as an invertebrate, invertebrate fossils, invertebrate biology
Etymology:
From Latin "in-" (not) + "vertebratus" (jointed), referring to the absence of vertebrae.
Examples:
- 1. The jellyfish is a common marine invertebrate.
- 2. Invertebrates like ants and spiders outnumber vertebrates in most ecosystems.
- 3. She studied invertebrate anatomy in her biology class.
- 4. The museum has a fascinating exhibit on prehistoric invertebrates.