lancelet

 
Pronunciation: /ˈlɑːnslɪt/

noun

  • a small elongated marine invertebrate that resembles a fish but lacks jaws and obvious sense organs. Lancelets possess a notochord and are among the most primitive chordates.
    • Subphylum Cephalochordata, phylum Chordata: several species, including amphioxus

Origin:

mid 19th century: from the noun lance (because of its long narrow form) + -let