eel

eel

noun \ˈēl\

Definition of EEL

1

a : any of numerous voracious elongate snakelike bony fishes (order Anguilliformes) that have a smooth slimy skin, lack pelvic fins, and have the median fins confluent around the tail — compare american eel b : any of numerous other elongate fishes (as of the order Synbranchiformes)

2

: any of various nematodes (as the vinegar eel)

— eel·like \ˈēl-ˌlīk\ adjective

— eely \ˈē-lē\ adjective

Illustration of EEL

Origin of EEL

Middle English ele, from Old English ǣl; akin to Old High German āl eel

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with EEL

ceil, chiel, creel, deal, deil, feel, heal, heel, keel, Kiel, kneel, leal, meal, peal, peel, real, reel, seal, seel, shiel, speel, spiel, squeal, steal, steel, Steele, streel, teal, tuille, veal, weal, wheal, wheel, zeal