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Definition of hemichordate

hemichordate

/ˌhɛm.ɪˈkɔːr.deɪt/
hem · i · chor · date
Plural:hemichordates
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hemichordate Lexical Profile

hemichordate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any marine invertebrate of the phylum Hemichordata, comprising the acorn worms and pterobranchs, which are characterized by a tripartite body and pharyngeal gill slits, and are evolutionarily closely related to echinoderms and chordates.

Example

"During the marine biology lab, students examined a hemichordate to observe its distinct proboscis, collar, and trunk."

Photo by Gustav Paulay / CC0
Synonyms
View all synonyms for hemichordate

Word Nuance & Usage

Historically named for a structure once believed to be a half-notochord, modern biology recognizes this structure as a stomochord, meaning hemichordates are closely related to chordates but do not possess a true notochord.

• Rhymes for hemichordate

• Nearby Words

helsinki
hem
hemerocallis
hemichordate
hemisphere
hemispheric
hemispherical

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century from Greek 'hēmi-' (half) and Latin 'chorda' (cord), reflecting the early belief that these organisms possessed a rudimentary or half notochord.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hemichordate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hemichordate
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