invertebrate

/ɪnvˈɜːtɪbɹˌe‍ɪt/

/ˌɪnˈvɝtəˌbɹeɪt/, /ˌɪnˈvɝtəbɹət/

Invertebrate

any animal that does not possess or cannot develop a spinal column, such as an arthropod, mollusk, etc.

invertebrate

(of an animal) lacking a spinal column or notochord

synonyms : spineless

antonyms : vertebrate

Examples

1. For example, many invertebrates have a string of nerves like our spinal cord that runs down their front rather than their back.

2. Invertebrates like worms and jellyfish use hydroskeletons to support their very flexible bodies.

3. This makes them Earth’s fastest invertebrates.

4. When did cats become invertebrates?