invertebrates

1. Animals without backbones. ( Compare vertebrates .)

Example Sentences

The first is a study from the journal Current Biology found that ctenophores, a phlyum of aquatic invertebrates better known as comb jellies, can successfully fuse together after being injured.

From Salon

The situation is even murkier when it comes to invertebrates like shrimp, squid and octopus.

From Salon

It goes on to note that in research studies, these eight-legged marine invertebrates have demonstrated long-term memory as well as the ability to recognize individual people.

From Los Angeles Times

This is the first study to strongly indicate that a vertebrate species can use bubbles to breathe under water, a trait that several bugs and invertebrates are known to have adapted.

From Salon

Sea lions — and other marine mammals — become poisoned when they eat large amounts of fish or invertebrates that have been chowing on the contaminated diatoms.

From Los Angeles Times