craniate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈkreɪniˌeɪt/
KK: /ˈkreɪniˌeɪt/
adjective
Definition
Referring to animals that have a skull or cranium, which includes all vertebrates and some invertebrates.
Example
Humans are craniate creatures, as they possess a skull that protects their brain.
Conversation
Did you know that all craniate animals have a skull?
Really? I didn't realize that was a defining feature.
Yeah, it includes creatures like fish and mammals.
That's fascinating! I love learning about animal classifications.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
skulled
cephalized
heady
Antonyms
headless
unskulled
noncephalized
noun
Definition
A type of animal that has a skull, including humans and other vertebrates.
Example
Humans are classified as craniates because they have a skull protecting their brain.
Conversation
Did you know that humans are classified as craniates?
Really? I had no idea!
Yeah, it means we have a skull to protect our brain.
Root Explanation
Craniate is formed from "cranium" (from Greek "kranion", meaning skull) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating having or possessing). The word "craniate" refers to animals that possess a skull, thus having a cranium.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cranium' which means skull, and remember that 'craniate' refers to creatures that have a skull.
Visually Confused Words
acraniate
syncraniate
reanimate
crinanite
coanimate
candidate
uranite
uranate