invertebrate

in·ver·te·brate

adj \(ˌ)in-ˈvər-tə-brət, -ˌbrāt\

Definition of INVERTEBRATE

1

: lacking a spinal column; also : of, relating to, or concerned with invertebrate animals

2

: lacking in strength or vitality : weak

— invertebrate noun

Examples of INVERTEBRATE

1. <an invertebrate Congress that blithely went along with the President's ill-conceived plan>

Origin of INVERTEBRATE

New Latin invertebratus, from Latin in- + New Latin vertebratus vertebrate

First Known Use: 1832

Related to INVERTEBRATE

Synonyms: characterless, effete, frail, weak, limp-wristed, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, nerveless, soft, spineless, weakened, weak-kneed, weakling, wet [British], wimpish, wimpy, wishy-washy

Antonyms: backboned, firm, hard, strong, tough

Related Words: flabby, flaccid, forceless, ineffective, ineffectual; impotent, impuissant, powerless; emasculated, unnerved; lamblike, meek, pliable, submissive; corrupt, dastardly, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous; cowardly, craven, fainthearted, lily-livered, nebbishy, poltroon, pusillanimous, sissy, timid; infirm, irresolute, vacillating

Near Antonyms: ethical, good, moral, principled, right, righteous, upright, virtuous; determined, mettlesome, resolute, unrelenting; courageous, stalwart, stouthearted

[+]more[-]hide

Other Invertebrates (Except Insects) Terms

anemone, cephalopod, quahog