invertebrate Definition
an animal lacking a backbone, such as an arthropod, mollusk, annelid, coelenterate, etc..
Using invertebrate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "invertebrate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Invertebrates make up the vast majority of animal species on Earth.
Example
The most common invertebrates found in gardens are insects and spiders.
Example
Jellyfish are invertebrates that belong to the phylum Cnidaria.
invertebrate Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for invertebrate
- animal without a backbone
- spineless animal
- soft-bodied animal
Antonyms for invertebrate
Phrases with invertebrate
marine invertebrates
animals that live in the ocean and lack a backbone
Example
Coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine invertebrates.
terrestrial invertebrates
animals that live on land and lack a backbone
Example
Snails and slugs are examples of terrestrial invertebrates.
freshwater invertebrates
animals that live in freshwater habitats and lack a backbone
Example
Dragonflies and damselflies are common freshwater invertebrates.
Summary: invertebrate in Brief
An 'invertebrate' [ɪnˈvəːtɪbrət] is an animal that lacks a backbone, such as an arthropod, mollusk, annelid, or coelenterate. They make up the vast majority of animal species on Earth and can be found in a variety of habitats, including marine, terrestrial, and freshwater environments. Examples of invertebrates include insects, spiders, snails, and jellyfish.