What is a Vertebrate? Definition & Examples

Meaning 1：animal with a backbone (vertebrate)

vertebrate 🔊

/ˈvɜːrtɪbrət/

an animal with a backbone, like humans, cats, fish, or birds.

Vertebrate diagram showing spine comparison of human, fish, bird, and dog skeletons.

animal with a backbone 🔊

➕

/ˈænɪməl wɪð ə ˈbækboʊn/

A vertebrate is a type of animal that possesses a backbone or spinal column, which provides structural support and protection for the nervous system.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'vertebra' (joint/spine) + '-ate' (having).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'vertebrate' as 'having vertebrae' – the backbone that makes animals stand or swim upright.

📖 Example

During our visit to the national park, the ranger explained that protecting forests is crucial because they are home to a huge variety of vertebrate species, from tiny frogs to large deer. 🔊 During our visit to the national park, the ranger explained that protecting forests is crucial because they are home to a huge variety of vertebrate species, from tiny frogs to large deer.

🔗 Collocations

vertebrate species – species of animals that have backbones

vertebrate anatomy – the study of the structure of animals with backbones

vertebrate biology – the branch of biology dealing with backboned animals

🔄 Synonyms

backboned animal (n.) – an animal possessing a spinal column

chordate (n.) – an animal of the phylum Chordata, which includes vertebrates

🚫 Antonyms

invertebrate (n.) – an animal lacking a backbone

🌱 Derivatives

vertebral (adj.) – relating to the vertebrae or spine

invertebrate (n.) – an animal without a backbone

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'vertebra' meaning 'joint' or 'spine', the term entered English via scientific Latin in the 19th century to classify animals with backbones.