1. an animal that possesses a coelom (a body cavity lined with mesoderm)
Usage: biology; zoology

1. of, relating to, or being an animal with a coelom
Usage: biology; zoology

Examples

• Humans are coelomates because they have a body cavity surrounding their internal organs.
• Most vertebrates are coelomates with well-developed coeloms.
• The earthworm is a coelomate organism with a segmented body plan.
• Coelomate animals evolved a more complex body structure than earlier acoelomate forms.
• In coelomate species, the coelom allows organs to move and function independently.
• Mollusks and arthropods are examples of coelomate invertebrates.