The larval stage of a lamprey, before it transforms into an adult.
From Greek 'ammó' (sand) + 'kétē' (to seek), referring to how lamprey larvae burrow in sandy riverbeds. The term was coined by zoologists to describe this distinctive life stage.
Lampreys are 360-million-year-old jawless fish—older than sharks—and their ammocete larvae look nothing like adults: it's one of nature's most dramatic metamorphoses, hiding in river sand for years.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.