marsipobranchia

Mar"si*po*bran"chi*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.) Defn: A class of Vertebrata, lower than fishes, characterized by their purselike gill cavities, cartilaginous skeletons, absence of limbs, and a suckerlike mouth destitute of jaws. It includes the lampreys and hagfishes. See Cyclostoma, and Lamprey. Called also Marsipobranchiata, and Marsipobranchii.

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