eel

eel · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A snake-like fish with a slender elongated body, smooth slimy skin, and no pelvic fins.

  2. 2.

    The flesh of an eel used as food.

Forms

plural: eels

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    slippery as an eel — very difficult to catch or hold; evasive
  • •
    electric eel — a South American fish that can produce electric shocks
  • •
    moray eel — a large tropical eel with a fierce appearance

Related words

See also: fish, seafood, snake

Etymology

From Old English æl, from Proto-Germanic ælaz. The word has remained largely unchanged since Old English times.