Definition of "invertebrate" []

• Lacking a backbone or spinal column; not vertebrate. (adjective)
• Of or relating to invertebrates: invertebrate zoology. (adjective)
• An animal, such as an insect or mollusk, that lacks a backbone or spinal column. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Nosema fungus that researchers had previously suspected, and a DNA-virus called invertebrate iridescent virus (IIV)."
• "When the Army software, owned by DHS, was turned on the bee remains, it detected not only the fungus, but also a virus known as the invertebrate iridescent virus (IIV)."
• "We'll leave it up to France's budding etymologist to decide whether his maneuvering should be labeled "invertebrate" or "spineless.""