English Lexicon

Vertebrate

/ˈvɜː.tɪ.brət/
nounadjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    An animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

    "Humans, dogs, and birds are all vertebrates."

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Synonyms (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'vertebratus', meaning jointed or having vertebrae, originating from 'vertebra' (joint of the spine). The term entered scientific English in the 18th century as a taxonomic classification for animals possessing a spinal column.

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