n.
Pronunciation: ' ē l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ele, from Old English ǣ l; akin to Old High German ā l eel
Date: before 12th century
1 a : any of numerous voracious elongate snakelike bony fishes (order Anguilliformes) that have a smooth slimy skin, lack pelvic fins, and have the median fins confluent around the tail ― compare AMERICAN EEL b : any of numerous other elongate fishes (as of the order Synbranchiformes)
2 : any of various nematodes (as the vinegar eel)
– eel · like \ ' ē l- ˌ l ī k \ adjective
– eely \ ' ē -l ē \ adjective
eel