— invertebracy /in verr"teuh breuh see/ , invertebrateness , n.
/in verr"teuh brit, -brayt'/ , adj.
1. Zool.
a. not vertebrate; without a backbone.
b. of or pertaining to creatures without a backbone.
2. without strength of character.
n.
3. an invertebrate animal.
4. a person who lacks strength of character.
[ 1820-30; invertebratus. See IN- 3 , VERTEBRATE ]