lateral line

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.

lateral line

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lateral line¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

This sensory system, called the lateral line, uses delicate “hair cells” that are very similar to the ones found in our own ears.

From Scientific American

The 1-year-old fish was suffering from head and lateral line erosion, a parasitic disease known as “hole-in-the-head.”

From Fox News

The 1-year-old fish was found on March 25 swimming in a dirty tank and suffering from head and lateral line erosion, or “hole-in-the-head” disease.

From Fox News

Perhaps most beguiling are the hums and pops of fish ‘calls’, which the creatures sense through the lateral line — a series of organs that effectively turn their bodies into giant ears.

From Nature

This is called a lateral line, and it’s made of tiny organs that detect motion and also transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear.

From The Verge