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definitions

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.

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Nearby words

  1. lateral funiculus,
  2. lateral geniculate body,
  3. lateral hemianopsia,
  4. lateral hermaphroditism,
  5. lateral humeral epicondylitis,
  6. lateral line system,
  7. lateral lisp,
  8. lateral longitudinal stria,
  9. lateral magnification,
  10. lateral meristem

Origin of lateral line

First recorded in 1865–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Science definitions for lateral line

lateral line

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.