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Glite Dictionary
urochordate

urochordate

9.9
A simple sea animal with a baglike body and a stiff rod in its young form
  • noun
  • /ˌjʊərəˈkɔrdɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : urocordado
  • The urochordate is unique among chordates because its notochord appears only in its larval form.

Examples

  • Many textbooks describe the urochordate as an important link in the evolution of vertebrates.

  • Scientists collected several urochordate specimens from the coral reef for further study.

  • The urochordate is a fascinating organism.

  • Many urochordates can be found in oceanic waters.

  • Researchers discovered a new species of urochordate in the deep sea, showcasing its evolutionary significance.

  • The larval stage of the urochordate displays a prominent notochord, distinguishing it from adult forms.

  • In marine biology, the urochordate is often studied to understand the origins of vertebrate characteristics.

Synonyms

tunicate
vsurochordate
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A sea animal with a soft saclike body that often filters food from water

is the same but uses a different scientific subphylum name

Surface Forms

urochordate singular
urochordates plural

Morphology

urochordate = chordate (opaque) = uro + chordate

Formed by the technical combining form 'uro-' plus 'chordate'; 'uro-' is not a standalone English morpheme and the term is a specialized taxonomic coinage, so the derivation is not accessible to average learners.

Etymology

Urochordate comes from Greek parts uro- meaning 'tail' and -chordate meaning 'cord' or 'string', like the English word 'cord'. These sea animals show a cord in the tail when young, which is why they have this name.