invertebrate
noun · adjective
Simple meaning
An animal without vertebrae.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
ihnvurtuhbruhtSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ɪnˈvɝtəbɹət
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
An animal without vertebrae (i.e., without a backbone).
Any animal lacking a backbone or notochord; the term is not used as a scientific classification
informal
A spineless person; a coward.
adjective
Lacking a backbone or spinal column
“Worms are an example of invertebrate animals.”
Without a backbone: without vertebrae.
Cowardly, uncourageous; lacking character.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- C1 · Advanced (estimated)
- Frequency
- Uncommon
- Formality
- Technical
More ways to use invertebrate
- “Worms are an example of invertebrate animals.”adjective
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Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Compound terms
Established multiword terms.
Any of various organs of locomotion or attachment in invertebrates.
More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin
Antonyms
Sense: animal without vertebrae (i.e. or without a backbone)
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