Lamprey - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
A jawless fish with a funnel-like mouth, often parasitic on other fish.
Synonyms:
eel-like fish, jawless fish, parasitic fish
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
(No direct antonyms; context-dependent) predator, non-parasitic fish
Common Collocations:
lamprey eel, sea lamprey, parasitic lamprey, lamprey larvae, lamprey migration
Derivatives:
lampreys (plural), lamprey-like
Usage Tips:
Use "lamprey" to describe the eel-like fish; avoid confusion with true eels by noting its jawless mouth.
Common Phrases:
lamprey pie, lamprey infestation, as slippery as a lamprey
Etymology:
From Old French "lamproie," derived from Medieval Latin "lamprēda," of uncertain earlier origin.
Examples:
- 1. The lamprey attaches itself to larger fish to feed.
- 2. Lampreys are often found in freshwater rivers and coastal waters.
- 3. Some species of lampreys are considered invasive pests.
- 4. Fishermen sometimes mistake lampreys for eels due to their shape.