Petromyzontidae

plural noun

Pet·​ro·​my·​zon·​ti·​dae

-mīˈzäntəˌdē

: a family of cyclostomes (order Hyperoartia) comprising elongated animals that resemble eels or hagfishes, have no barbels and seven pairs of circular gill openings, and feed on the blood of fishes which they obtain by rasping the flesh with their toothed circular mouth see petromyzon compare lamprey

petromyzontoid

¦⸗⸗⸗¦zän‧ˌtȯid

adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Petromyzont-, Petromyzon, type genus + -idae

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now