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vertebrate

Pronunciation: /ˈvəːtɪbrət/

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Definition of vertebrate

noun

  • an animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. Compare with invertebrate.
    • Subphylum Vertebrata, phylum Chordata: seven classes

adjective

  • denoting a vertebrate or relating to the vertebrates as a group.

Origin:

early 19th century: from Latin vertebratus 'jointed', from vertebra (see vertebra)

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vertebrate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of vertebrate in the US English dictionary
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