Lamprey (noun)

1. A parasitic fish of the order Petromyzontiformes, found in fresh and salt water, having a toothed, funnel-like sucking mouth.
2. An eel-like fish that attaches itself to the sides of other fish and sucks their blood.

Origin:

Middle english, from old english lampre, from latin lampetra, from greek lampetra.

Examples:

1. The lamprey is a parasitic fish that attaches itself to other fish and sucks their blood.
2. Fishermen often consider the lamprey a pest because it can damage catches of other fish.
3. The lamprey's mouth is equipped with a series of sharp teeth that it uses to attach itself to its host.
4. The lamprey has a unique life cycle that includes both a parasitic and a free-swimming phase.
5. The Great Lakes of North America have been affected by the sea lamprey population, which has affected the fishing industry there.