vertebrate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvəːtɪbrət/

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)

Spelling help

Spell vertebrate with -teb- in the middle.