cra·ni·ate I. \ˈkrānēə̇t, -ēˌāt\adjective Etymology: in sense 1, from New Latin Craniata; in sense 2, from crani- + -ate 1.: of or relating to the Vertebrata : vertebrate < the lowest craniate fishes > 2.: having a skull or cranium II. noun (-s) : a craniate animal