chordata: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chordata” mean?
The phylum of animals characterized by having a notochord at some stage of their development.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The phylum of animals characterized by having a notochord at some stage of their development.
A major taxonomic division of the animal kingdom, comprising all vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish) and some invertebrate subphyla (e.g., tunicates, lancelets), defined by the presence of a dorsal nerve cord, a notochord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some life stage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Exclusively scientific/biological connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse; appears almost exclusively in academic/biological texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “chordata” in a Sentence
Chordata [singular verb] is...Chordata [plural verb] are...The Chordata include...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chordata” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chordate features were clearly visible.
- A chordate embryo exhibits key characteristics.
American English
- The chordate characteristics are defining.
- It's a basic chordate body plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in biological taxonomy and zoology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise taxonomic classification in biology, paleontology, and related fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chordata”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chordata”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chordata”
- Mispronunciation: /tʃɔːrˈdɑːtə/ (with a 'ch' as in 'chair'). Correct: /kɔːrˈdeɪtə/ (hard 'k' sound).
- Treating it exclusively as a singular noun; it can be plural.
- Confusing 'Chordata' with specific classes like 'Mammalia'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While all vertebrates (animals with backbones) are chordates, the phylum Chordata also includes invertebrate groups like tunicates (sea squirts) and cephalochordates (lancelets).
A notochord is a flexible, rod-shaped structure made of cartilage cells that provides skeletal support. In vertebrates, it is typically replaced by the vertebral column during development.
It can be treated as either. You can say 'Chordata is a phylum' (singular, referring to the group as a single entity) or 'Chordata are diverse' (plural, referring to the many members).
Almost exclusively in specialized scientific contexts: academic journals, biology textbooks, nature documentaries with a technical focus, and paleontology or zoology research.
The phylum of animals characterized by having a notochord at some stage of their development.
Chordata is usually academic/scientific in register.
Chordata: in British English it is pronounced /kɔːˈdeɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔːrˈdeɪtə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CHORD' as in spinal cord (dorsal nerve cord) + 'ATA' as in a group. Animals with a spinal cord 'chord' belong to Chord-ATA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A branch on the tree of life; a blueprint for body plan.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of Chordata?