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Glite Dictionary
Petromyzontidae

Petromyzontidae

9.9
A family of jawless fish with eel-like bodies and round sucking mouths
  • noun
  • /ˌpɛtrəˈmaɪzənˌtiːdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Petromyzontidae
  • The Petromyzontidae are distinguished by their lack of jaws and paired fins.

Examples

  • The Petromyzontidae family includes various species of lampreys.

  • The river is home to several species within the Petromyzontidae family.

  • Scientists study Petromyzontidae to learn about early vertebrate evolution.

  • Many scientists study Petromyzontidae to understand their unique biology.

  • The Petromyzontidae family includes various species of lampreys that are known for their remarkable ability to attach to other fish.

  • Scientists study Petromyzontidae to understand their role in aquatic ecosystems and their historical significance in vertebrate evolution.

  • The river is home to several species within the Petromyzontidae family, which are often seen clinging to rocks and fish.

Synonyms

lamprey
vsPetromyzontidae
5 9.0

A thin eel-like fish with no jaws that attaches to other fish to feed

is the scientific family term rather than the common name
lamprey eel
vsPetromyzontidae
1 8.3

A long fish without jaws with a round mouth that sucks blood from fish in rivers or seas

is the scientific family label rather than this descriptive compound name
lamper eel
vsPetromyzontidae
  • Archaic
9.9

A jawless eel-like fish that sticks to other fish using a round sucking mouth

uses the formal family name instead of that informal alternative

Surface Forms

Petromyzontidae singular
Petromyzontidaes plural

Etymology

Petromyzontidae comes from Greek parts meaning 'stone' and 'to suck': petro- 'stone', myzon 'to suck', plus the family ending -idae 'family'. So, Petromyzontidae are lampreys, jawless fish with a round, sucking mouth that often attaches to rocks or other fish.