Definition

1. Noun:

   • An animal of the phylum Chordata: A chordate is any animal that, at some stage of its life, has a notochord (a flexible rod supporting the body), a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. This phylum includes vertebrates (like mammals, birds, fish) and some invertebrates (like tunicates and lancelets).

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to the Chordata: Describing characteristics of or belonging to the phylum Chordata.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Humans, birds, and fish are all chordates.
  • The lancelet is a simple chordate that retains its notochord into adulthood.

• Adjective:

  • The chordate embryo shows clear pharyngeal slits.
  • Scientists study chordate anatomy to understand vertebrate evolution.

Advanced Usage

• "Chordate characteristics": The defining anatomical features shared by members of the phylum.

  • The presence of a notochord is a key chordate characteristic.

• "Protochordate": A term sometimes used for invertebrate chordates, such as tunicates and cephalochordates, which are considered precursors to vertebrates.

  • Amphioxus is a well-studied protochordate.

Variants and Related Words

• Chordata (n): The scientific name for the phylum.

  • The phylum Chordata is divided into three subphyla.

• Notochord (n): The defining flexible rod present in all chordate embryos.

  • In vertebrates, the notochord is typically replaced by the vertebral column.

Synonyms

• Vertebrate (n): While all vertebrates are chordates, not all chordates are vertebrates. "Vertebrate" is a more specific synonym for the major subgroup.
• Craniate (n): A chordate with a head (cranium); essentially synonymous with vertebrates.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Invertebrate chordate: A chordate animal that lacks a backbone, such as a tunicate.
  • The sea squirt is an example of an invertebrate chordate.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or characteristic of the Chordata

Noun

1. any animal of the phylum Chordata having a notochord or spinal column