C1nounsciencenature
US/ɪnˈvɜːr.tə.brət/
UK/ɪnˈvɜː.tɪ.brət/
an animal that has no backbone, such as an insect, a worm or a jellyfish
In context
Most animals on Earth are invertebrates, including insects, spiders and snails.
The report describes how marine invertebrates react to rising ocean temperatures.
Unlike vertebrates, an invertebrate has no spine to support its body.
Words that go with invertebrate
adjective + noun
- marine invertebrateCorals and sponges are marine invertebrates.
- aquatic invertebrateAquatic invertebrates are a good sign of clean water.
- freshwater invertebrateFreshwater invertebrates live in rivers and ponds.
noun + noun
- invertebrate speciesThousands of invertebrate species live on the reef.
- soil invertebrateSoil invertebrates help break down dead leaves.
verb + preposition
- feed on invertebratesMany birds feed on invertebrates found in the mud.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
an invertebrate animalsCorrect: an invertebrate animal