tadpole
/'tædpoul/
Definition
Noun: A tadpole is the larval stage of an amphibian, particularly a frog or toad. It is an aquatic creature with a rounded body, a long tail, and external gills, which later undergoes metamorphosis to develop legs and lungs, eventually becoming an adult.
Usage
The word "tadpole" is used to refer specifically to this immature, aquatic form before it transforms. It is a countable noun.
Examples
- We found hundreds of tadpoles swimming in the shallow pond.
- The biology class observed the tadpole as it began to grow its hind legs.
- From egg to tadpole to froglet, the life cycle is fascinating.
Advanced Usage
- "Tadpole stage": Refers to this specific period in an amphibian's development.
- During the tadpole stage, the creature breathes through gills.
Variants and Related Words
- Polliwog (noun): A common synonym for tadpole, especially in North American English.
- Frogspawn (noun): The mass of eggs laid by frogs, from which tadpoles hatch.
- Metamorphosis (noun): The biological process of transformation that a tadpole undergoes.
Synonyms
- Larva (specifically for amphibians)
- Polliwog
Antonyms
- Adult frog
- Adult toad
Related Phrases & Context
- "Tadpole to frog": A common phrase describing the complete transformation.
- The book beautifully illustrates the journey from tadpole to frog.
Noun
-
a larval frog or toad
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