lateral line

American  

noun

1. the line, or system of lines, of sensory structures along the head and sides of fishes and amphibians, by which the animal is believed to detect water current and pressure changes and vibrations.

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lateral line Scientific  

1. A series of tubelike canals along the head and sides of fish and some amphibians by which vibrations, as from water currents, and changes in pressure are detected.

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Etymology

Origin of lateral line

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Lateral line scales show no pores, and except for slight irregularities in the orientation and length of the posterior ridges, closely resemble the others.

From A New Genus of Pennsylvania Fish (Crossoperygii, Coelacanthiformes) from Kansas by Echols, Joan

Lateral line: in caterpillars is at the margin of the dorsum between sub-dorsal and supra-stigmatal line.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.