lamprey

What is another word for lamprey? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A long, slender, jawless fish of the order Petromyzontiformes, living in fresh and salt water, with a sucking mouth lined with rasping teeth.

We haven't recorded synonyms for lamprey yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use lamprey

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

sea lamprey lamprey mouth lamprey species

This is a neutral, factual term used in biology and fishing contexts.

Etymology

The word came into English through Middle English laumprei, from Old French lampreie, from Medieval Latin lampreda. Its earlier origin is uncertain, though it is traditionally linked to Latin words for licking and for stone.

Full origin of lamprey →

Frequently asked questions

What is a lamprey?

It is a jawless, eel-like fish with a sucking mouth and rasping teeth, found in both fresh and salt water.

Do lampreys have jaws?

No, lampreys are jawless fish; their mouth is a sucking disc rather than a hinged jaw.

Where does the word lamprey come from?

It came into English from Old French, which took it from Medieval Latin, though the word's ultimate origin is uncertain.

Nearby words

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