Definition

Describing animals that do not have a backbone or spinal column, such as insects and jellyfish.

Example

Many marine species, like jellyfish and octopuses, are invertebrate animals.

Conversation

Did you know that jellyfish are invertebrate animals?

Really? I always thought they looked so interesting.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how many invertebrate species there are in the ocean.

Absolutely! They play such a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of animal that does not have a backbone, including creatures like insects and mollusks.

Example

Jellyfish are an example of an invertebrate that lives in the ocean.

Conversation

Did you know that a jellyfish is an invertebrate?

Really? I thought they had some sort of backbone.

Nope, they don't have any bones at all because they are invertebrates.

Root Explanation

Invertebrate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "vertebratus" (from Latin, meaning having a backbone). The word "invertebrate" refers to animals that do not have a backbone, such as insects and mollusks.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not having' ('in-') a 'backbone' ('vertebratus') — that's what invertebrate means.

Visually Confused Words