1. a primitive eel-like aquatic animal with a circular sucking mouth and no jaws

Examples

• The sea lamprey attaches itself to larger fish with its circular mouth.
• Lampreys are considered living fossils, having changed little over millions of years.
• The river lamprey migrates from the ocean to freshwater streams to spawn.
• Scientists study lampreys to understand early vertebrate evolution.
• The lamprey’s sucker-like mouth allows it to feed on the blood of host fish.
• Medieval kings considered lamprey a delicacy at royal feasts.