Lampreys

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Lamprey \Lam"prey\ (l[a^]m"pr[y^]), n.; pl. {Lampreys}
     (l[a^]m"pr[i^]z). [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}.]


     (Zool.)
     An eel-like marsipobranch of the genus {Petromyzon}, and
     allied genera; called also {lamprey eel} and {lamper eel}.
     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
     {lamprel}, and {lampron}.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
     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 {Ammoc[oe]les
           fluviatilis}, of Europe, and {Ammoc[oe]les
           [ae]pypterus} of America. All lampreys attach
           themselves to other fishes, as parasites, by means of
           the suckerlike mouth.
           [1913 Webster]