1. an animal that does not have a backbone or spinal column
Usage: biology

1. lacking a backbone or spinal column
Usage: biology
2. lacking strength of character or determination
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Insects, spiders, and worms are all invertebrates.
• The ocean is home to countless invertebrate species.
• Invertebrate animals make up about 95% of all animal species.
• The biology class studied both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.
• She called him an invertebrate politician who couldn’t stand up for his beliefs.
• The invertebrate creatures in the tide pool fascinated the children.