Definition of "Amphibian"
Amphibian can be both a noun and an adjective. It refers to certain animals, typically those that can live both on land and in water.
Usage Instructions
Noun: Use "amphibian" when talking about the animal group. For example: "The frog is an amphibian."
Adjective: Use it to describe something related to these animals. For example: "Amphibian species often have unique life cycles."
Examples
Advanced Usage
In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "amphibious" which refers to something that can operate in both land and water environments, often used in military contexts.
Word Variants
Different Meanings
In Biology: Refers specifically to the class Amphibia, which includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians.
In Transportation: Refers to vehicles capable of operating on both land and water.
Synonyms
For the animal meaning: Frog, Toad, Salamander (though these are specific types of amphibians).
For the vehicle meaning: Amphibious vehicle, Hovercraft.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs using "amphibian," but you might hear phrases like "amphibious operations" in military or rescue contexts, referring to actions taking place on both land and water.
Summary
In summary, "amphibian" is a useful word that describes a group of animals and can also refer to vehicles that operate in both land and water.