Main Entry: no·to·chord

Pronunciation: \ˈnō-tə-ˌkȯrd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Greek nōton, nōtos back + Latin chorda cord — more at cord

Date: 1848

: a longitudinal flexible rod of cells that in the lowest chordates (as a lancelet or a lamprey) and in the embryos of the higher vertebrates forms the supporting axis of the body

— no·to·chord·al \ˌnō-tə-ˈkȯr-d^əl\ adjective