Chordata

[ kawr-dey-tuh, -dah- ]

/ kɔrˈdeɪ tə, -ˈdɑ- /

the phylum comprising the chordates.

Origin of Chordata

1875–80; < New Latin, equivalent to chord(a) (see chord¹) + Latin -āta, neuter plural of -ātus -ate¹

We have not, however, explained yet what is the claim of Balanoglossus to be grouped with the Chordata.

Stories of the Universe: Animal Life |B. Lindsay
In the Chordata at any rate the nerves arise as outgrowths of the central organ.

The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume III (of 4) |Francis Maitland Balfour
In the lowest Chordata the sole structure present, which deserves to be called a skeleton, is the notochord.

The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume III (of 4) |Francis Maitland Balfour
The epiblast in a large number of Chordata arises as a single row of more or less columnar cells.

The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume III (of 4) |Francis Maitland Balfour

The muscular elements of the Chordata undoubtedly belong to the myoepithelial type.

The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume III (of 4) |Francis Maitland Balfour

Chordata

[ kôr-dā′tə ]

The phylum of animals whose members have a single dorsal nerve cord and a notochord and gill slits during some stage in their development.