craniate
/ˈkreɪniˌeɪt/
noun
- An animal that has a skull or cranium, including vertebrates and some primitive fish-like creatures.
- The lamprey is a craniate that lacks a jaw but has a skull.
- Scientists study ancient craniates to understand how the backbone evolved.
- All craniates share a protective bony or cartilaginous case around the brain.
Synonyms
Antonyms
adjective
- Having a skull or cranium.
- Craniate animals include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Not all chordates are craniate; some lack a well-defined skull.
- The fossil shows the earliest known craniate features.