notochord

noun

no·to·chord | \ ˈnō-tə-ˌkȯrd

Definition of notochord

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

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Examples of notochord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The tailfin and notochord — basically the sturgeon’s spine — is pulled out. — oregonlive, 25 Aug. 2021 But that streak is important—it’s a notochord, or a precursor of our spinal column that marks Pikaia as one of the earliest relatives of vertebrates. — Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2020 But several fossils revealed that the band bore the hallmark traits of a notochord, the rubbery tube surrounding some primitive vertebrates’ spinal cords. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, 16 Mar. 2016 Instead what’s called a notochord, a flexible rod of tissue, extends along hagfish backs. — Susan Milius, WIRED, 2 Mar. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'notochord.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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“Notochord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notochord. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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notochord

noun

no·to·chord | \ ˈnōt-ə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd

Medical Definition of notochord

: 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, that is almost obliterated in the adult of the higher vertebrates as the bodies of the vertebrae develop, and that arises as an outgrowth from the dorsal lip of the blastopore extending forward between epiblast and hypoblast in the middorsal line