vertebrate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈvɜːrtəˌbreɪt/
KK: /ˈvɜrtəˌbreɪt/
adjective
Definition
Relating to animals that have a backbone or spinal column, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Example
Humans are classified as vertebrate animals because they have a backbone.
Conversation
Did you know that all mammals are vertebrate animals?
Really? I thought some of them were different!
Nope, they all have backbones, making them vertebrate.
That's interesting! I guess I need to learn more about animal classifications.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spinal
backboned
chordate
Antonyms
invertebrate
unstructured
disorganized
noun
Definition
A type of animal that has a backbone, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
Example
Humans are classified as vertebrates because they have a spinal column.
Conversation
Did you know that a dolphin is a type of vertebrate?
Really? I always thought they were just mammals, not vertebrates.
Yeah, all mammals are actually vertebrates because they have a backbone.
Root Explanation
Vertebrate → It is formed from "vertebra" (from Latin *vertebra*, meaning joint or bone of the spine) and the suffix "-ate" (meaning having the quality of). The word "vertebrate" refers to animals that have a backbone or spinal column, indicating they possess the quality of having vertebrae.
Memory Tip
Think of 'vertebra' which means a joint or bone in the spine — this helps you remember that 'vertebrate' refers to animals with a backbone.
Visually Confused Words
evertebrate
invertebrate
invertebrated
disvertebrate
devertebrated
evertebrata
verberate
veratrate