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Lamprey - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

lamprey

/ˈlæmpri/ /ˈlæmpri/

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.

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