chordate

noun

Pronunciation: ˈkɔːrdeɪt

Definition

An animal belonging to the phylum Chordata, characterized at some stage of its development by a dorsal nerve cord, a supporting rod called a notochord, and gill slits.

Examples

• Humans are classified as chordates because we possess a spinal column during our development.

• The study of chordate evolution helps scientists understand the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.

• While tunicates look like simple sacs, they are actually chordates because their larvae possess a notochord.

Synonyms of chordate

Words with a similar meaning to chordate:

• animal
• vertebrate

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