invertebrate
pronunciation
How to pronounce invertebrate in British English:
UK [ɪnˈvɜːtɪbrət]
How to pronounce invertebrate in American English:
US [ɪnˈvɜːrtɪbrət]
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- Noun:
- any animal lacking a backbone or notochord; the term is not used as a scientific classification
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- Adjective:
- lacking a backbone or spinal column
Word Origin
- invertebrate (n.)
- 1826, from Latin in- "not" (see in- (1)) + vertebra "joint" (see vertebra). Invertebrata as a biological classification was coined 1805 by French naturalist Georges Léopole Chrétien Frédéric Dagobert, Baron Cuvier (1769-1832). As an adjective by 1838.
Example
- 1. Earthwatch scientists have discovered 18 new species of invertebrate in south africa .
- 2. One of the volunteers at the invertebrate exhibit was feeding the cuttlefish and it was not responsive .
- 3. 21 August 2009 : the week in wildlife - from panda births to newly discovered species of invertebrate
- 4. A survey is being undertaken by buglife , the invertebrate conservation trust to determine this .
- 5. Moles are carnivores feeding almost exclusively small invertebrate animals living underground such as earthworms and the larvae of beetles and flies .