notochord

noun
no·​to·​chord | \ ˈnō-tə-ˌkȯrd How to pronounce notochord (audio) \

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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Other Words from notochord

notochordal \ ˌnō-​tə-​ˈkȯr-​dᵊl How to pronounce notochordal (audio) \ adjective

Examples of notochord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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, "Scientists Finally Know What Kind of Monster a Tully Monster Was," 16 Mar. 2016 Instead what’s called a notochord, a flexible rod of tissue, extends along hagfish backs. Susan Milius, WIRED, "Hagfish May Absorb Carcasses With Their Skin, Gills," 2 Mar. 2011

First Known Use of notochord

1848, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for notochord

Greek nōton, nōtos back + Latin chorda cord — more at cord

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More Definitions for notochord

notochord

noun
no·​to·​chord | \ ˈnōt-ə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce notochord (audio) \

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

Other Words from notochord

notochordal \ ˌnōt-​ə-​ˈkȯrd-​ᵊl How to pronounce notochordal (audio) \ adjective