what are the characteristics that define chordates
Definition of CHORDATE. : any of a phylum (Chordata) of animals having at least at some stage of development a notochord, dorsally situated central nervous system, and gill clefts and including the vertebrates, lancelets, and tunicates.â chordate adjective.See chordate defined for kids. ADVERTISEMENT. any of a phylum (Chordata) of animals having at least at some stage of development a notochord, dorsally situated central nervous system, and gill clefts and including the vertebrates, lancelets, and tunicates. â chordate adjective. See chordate defined for kids. ADVERTISEMENT.