1. a small, primitive marine animal that resembles a fish but lacks a backbone, considered to be closely related to vertebrates
Usage: biology

Examples

• The lancelet is often studied in biology classes as an example of a chordate.
• Lancelets burrow in sandy ocean floors and filter feed on plankton.
• Scientists believe lancelets represent an evolutionary link between invertebrates and vertebrates.
• The amphioxus, commonly called a lancelet, has a notochord but no true spine.
• Marine biologists collected several lancelets from the shallow coastal waters.
• Lancelets are translucent creatures that can grow up to two inches long.