Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
VERTEBRATE
I. adjective
Etymology: New Latin vertebratus, from Latin, jointed, from vertebra
Date: 1826
1. having a spinal column, of or relating to the vertebrates, organized or constructioncted in orderly or developed form,
II. noun
Etymology: New Latin Vertebrata, from neuter plural of vertebratus
Date: 1826
any of a subphylum (Vertebrata) of chordates possessing a spinal column that includes the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes