invertebrate
invertebrate — noun
- invertebratesingular
- invertebratesplural
1. a living creature whose body has no spinal column — worms, insects, spiders, jel
a living creature whose body has no spinal column — worms, insects, spiders, jellyfish, and snails are all examples of invertebrates
Madison showed the class a tray of earthworms and other invertebrates from the school garden.
Jellyfish are invertebrates that drift through every ocean on the planet.
simple classification statement: [subject] + are + invertebrates
The rock pool was full of small invertebrates like crabs, snails, and sea stars.
Kwame explained that beetles make up nearly a quarter of all known invertebrate species.
Without invertebrates such as bees and butterflies, most flowering plants could not reproduce.
- vertebrate
an animal that has a spinal column, such as a fish, bird, or mammal
常見錯誤
invertebrate — adjective
- invertebratepositive
- more invertebratecomparative
- most invertebratesuperlative
1. describes an animal whose body does not contain a spine or any internal skeleton
describes an animal whose body does not contain a spine or any internal skeleton made of bone
The vet showed Esme an X-ray of her pet tarantula's invertebrate body.
Unlike fish, invertebrate sea creatures like octopuses can squeeze through tiny gaps.
contrast structure: Unlike [vertebrate], invertebrate + noun
The biology textbook devoted an entire chapter to the study of invertebrate nervous systems.
Greta was surprised to learn that earthworms are invertebrate animals without any bones at all.
The museum display placed vertebrate and invertebrate skeletons next to each other for comparison.
- spineless
less formal and more often used figuratively for people; in biology contexts 'invertebrate' is the standard term
- vertebrate
having a spine or backbone
用法筆記
This is the literal, biological meaning. It is most often used directly before a noun (e.g., 'invertebrate animals') rather than after a linking verb. The noun form 'invertebrate' is more common for naming these creatures directly.
2. describes a person, their actions, or an institution as having no courage, no fi
describes a person, their actions, or an institution as having no courage, no firmness of purpose, or no moral strength — the word draws on the image of a creature without a spine to imply a fundamental lack of character
Niran called the manager an invertebrate coward who never stood up for his own team.
figurative insult: invertebrate + coward
The journalist described the government's invertebrate response to the crisis as shameful.
No one respected the invertebrate committee that folded under the slightest pressure.
Mayumi finally told the invertebrate director that the team deserved a real answer.
Felipe's invertebrate refusal to confront the bully only made the situation worse.
- spineless
the closest informal equivalent; more common in everyday speech
- cowardly
focuses on fear-driven behaviour specifically, not general weakness of character
- gutless
blunt slang with strong contempt; cruder than 'invertebrate'
- weak-kneed
more vivid, suggesting physical symptoms of fear; less severe as a character judgement
- resolute
suggests firmness and determination rather than bravery in the face of danger
文法句型
invertebrate + [person/institution/action noun]
用法筆記
This is always a harsh criticism. Calling a person 'invertebrate' attacks their entire character, not just one decision. Distinguish from sense 1: the literal biological meaning is neutral; this figurative sense is strongly negative.