Definition of lamprey
lampreys
: any of a family (Petromyzontidae) of eel-shaped freshwater or anadromous jawless fishes that include those cyclostomes having well-developed eyes and a large disk-shaped suctorial mouth armed with horny teeth —called also lamprey eel
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of lamprey from the Web
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Sturgeon fishing is best in Suisun Bay between the two major bridges or the Big Cut with lamprey eel, salmon roe, or ghost shrimp.
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First, came the vampire-like lamprey, which spread across the lakes with shocking speed in the 1940s, before scientists brought them under control with designer poison.
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Peterson's lampreys possessed 41 miRNA types that his team subsequently found in mice.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lamprey'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of lamprey
Middle English, from Anglo-French lampreie, from Medieval Latin lampreda
First Known Use: 14th century
LAMPREY Defined for Kids
lamprey
playDefinition of lamprey for Students
lampreys
: a water animal that looks like an eel but has a sucking mouth with no jaws
Learn More about lamprey
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Spanish Central: Translation of lamprey Nglish: Translation of lamprey for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lamprey
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