vertebrate

The definition of a vertebrate is an animal that has a backbone or spinal column.

(noun)

A bird that has a backbone is an example of a vertebrate.

The definition of vertebrate is something related to the bones in your back or spine.

(adjective)

When you damage the bones in the back, this is an example of a time when you experience vertebrate injuries.

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See vertebrate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. having a backbone, or spinal column
  2. of or belonging to the vertebrates

Origin: L vertebratus < vertebra: see vertebra

noun

any of a large subphylum (Vertebrata) of chordate animals, including all mammals, fishes, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, characterized by a brain enclosed in a brainpan and a segmented spinal column

See vertebrate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Having a backbone or spinal column.
  2. Of or characteristic of vertebrates or a vertebrate.
noun
A member of the subphylum Vertebrata, a primary division of the phylum Chordata that includes the fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, all of which are characterized by a segmented spinal column and a distinct well-differentiated head.

Origin:

Origin: Latin vertebrātus, having joints

Origin: , from vertebra, vertebra; see vertebra

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