Eptatretidae

/ˌɛptətˈrɛtɪdiː/ noun

Definition

A taxonomic family name for hagfishes, jawless aquatic animals with seven gill openings.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepta' meaning 'seven', 'trema' meaning 'opening', and '-idae' the standard suffix for animal families in taxonomy.

Kelly Says

Hagfishes are absolutely bizarre—they secrete slime so thick and strong they can tie themselves in knots to escape predators. And scientists named their family after their seven gill holes because that was the weirdest thing about them.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.