Lamprey

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈlæm.pɹi/, /ˈlæm.pɹeɪ/
• Hyphenation: lam + prey

Origin

From Middle English laumprei, adopted from Old French lampreie (Modern lamproie), from Medieval Latin lampreda, possibly from Late Latin lampetra, from a combination of lambō ("lick") + petra ("stone").

Full definition of lamprey

Noun

1. Any long slender primitive eel-like freshwater and saltwater fish of the Petromyzontidae family, having a sucking mouth with rasping teeth but no jaw.

Derived terms

• brook lamprey
• European river lamprey
• sea lamprey