lancelet

noun

lance·​let ˈlan(t)-slət How to pronounce lancelet (audio)
: any of a subphylum (Cephalochordata) of small translucent marine primitive chordate animals that are fishlike in appearance and usually live partially buried on the ocean floor

called also amphioxus

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lancelet was circa 1836

Dictionary Entries Near lancelet

Cite this Entry

“Lancelet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lancelet. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lancelet

noun
lance·​let ˈlan(t)-slət How to pronounce lancelet (audio)
: any of various small translucent marine animals that are related to the vertebrates, resemble fish, and usually live partly buried on the ocean floor

called also amphioxus

Medical Definition

lancelet

noun
lance·​let ˈlan(t)-slət How to pronounce lancelet (audio)
: any vertebrate animal of the subphylum Cephalochordata

called also amphioxus

More from Merriam-Webster on lancelet

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!