A species of fish somewhat resembling the eel in form. Its body is destitute of the paired fins'found in most other fishes, is without scales, and covered with a glutinous mucus. The mouth is circular in form, and by it and the tongue, which acts like a piston, the animal attaches itself firmly to fixed objects. Formerly the lamprey was highly esteemed as an article of food, and even of luxury, but is not so commonly used now.