Definitions for: Lamprey

[n] primitive eellike freshwater or anadromous cyclostome having round sucking mouth with a rasping tongue

Webster (1913) Definition: Lam"prey, n.; pl. Lampreys. [OE. lampreie, F.
lamproie, LL. lampreda, lampetra, from L. lambere to lick +
petra rock, stone. The lampreys are so called because they
attach themselves with their circular mouths to rocks and
stones, whence they are also called rocksuckers. See Lap
to drink, Petrify.] (Zo["o]l.)
An eel-like marsipobranch of the genus Petromyzon, and
allied genera. The lampreys have a round, sucking mouth,
without jaws, but set with numerous minute teeth, and one to
three larger teeth on the palate (see Illust. of
Cyclostomi). There are seven small branchial openings on
each side. [Written also lamper eel, lamprel, and
lampron.]

Note: The common or sea lamprey of America and Europe
(Petromyzon marinus), which in spring ascends rivers
to spawn, is considered excellent food by many, and is
sold as a market fish in some localities. The smaller
river lampreys mostly belong to the genus
Ammoc[oe]les, or Lampetra, as A. fluviatilis, of
Europe, and A. [ae]pypterus of America. All lampreys
attach themselves to other fishes, as parasites, by
means of the suckerlike mouth.

Synonyms: lamper eel, lamprey eel

See Also: agnathan, family Petromyzontidae, jawless fish, jawless vertebrate, Petromyzon marinus, Petromyzontidae, sea lamprey

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat

Related Resources:
animals beginning with a
animals.net