Eel

n. a name widely applied in popular usage, but justifiably extended to all the members of the family Murænidæ —the body is much elongated, cylindrical or ribbon-shaped.— ns. Eel′-bas′ket , a basket for catching eels; Eel′-pout , in England, a Burbot (q.v.); in parts of Scotland, a Blenny (q.v.): a well-known fish, with a slimy body, living chiefly in mud; Eel′-spear , an instrument with broad prongs for catching eels. [A.S. ǽl ; Ger., Dut. aal .]