urochord
/ˈjʊrəˌkɔrd/
noun
- A notochord (flexible rod) that is present only in the tail of a tunicate larva, used for swimming.
- In many tunicates, the urochord disappears as the animal becomes an adult.
- Scientists study the urochord to understand how some animals lose their tails.
- The urochord helps the young tunicate move through the water.