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Definition of "lancelet" [lance•let]

  • Any of various small, flattened marine organisms of the subphylum Cephalochordata, structurally similar to the vertebrates but having a notochord rather than a true vertebral column. Also called amphioxus. (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.

Use "lancelet" in a sentence
  • "Amphioxus, also known as the lancelet, diverged from vertebrates more than 500 million years ago, and is often studied by researchers hoping to learn more about the early history of vertebrates."
  • "The lancelet is a filter feeder and has several organs to aid in consumption and digestion."
  • "Amphioxus (Lancelet) - Amphioxus, also called lancelet, is a small marine animal resembling a miniature fish without eyes (or even a head), which is found widely in coastal waters around warmer parts of the world."
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