lateral line

noun

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.

Origin of lateral line

First recorded in 1865–70

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

lateral line in Science

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.