from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]