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Marsipobranchia

(Science: zoology) a class of vertebrata, lower than fishes, characterised 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.

Synonym: Marsipobranchiata, and Marsipobranchii.

Origin: NL, fr. Gr. A pouch _ a gill.