vertebrate
VER-tuh-brayt
/ˈvɜːr.tɪ.brət/
An animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.
Refers to structural anatomy centered on an internal bony or cartilaginous skeleton containing a backbone.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'vertebratus', meaning 'jointed', derived from 'vertebra' (a joint of the spine). 'Vertebra' itself comes from 'vertere' (to turn), because the interlocking bones of the spine allow the body to bend and turn.
Word relationships
- invertebrate: Invertebrates lack a backbone or internal bony spinal column.
Commonly confused with
- invertebrate: Vertebrates have spinal columns; invertebrates lack backbones entirely.
Word family
- vertebra (noun): Individual segment bone of the spinal column.
- vertebral (adjective): Relating to the vertebrae or spinal column.
Collocations
- vertebrate species
- vertebrate evolution
- terrestrial vertebrate
- vertebrate skeleton
Example sentences
- "The evolution of the first vertebrate animal marked a major turning point in ocean life hundreds of millions of years ago." Evolutionary zoology
- "Every vertebrate possesses an internal skeletal structure that protects its central nervous system." Anatomical classification
Memory hook
VERTEBRATES can TURN (vertere) their backs because of backbones. Vertere (turn) = jointed spine = vertebrate.
When not to use
Do not apply to insects, spiders, jellyfish, or mollusks.
Fun facts
- Vertebrates represent only about 3 to 5 percent of all described animal species on Earth!
Related words
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