tree-frog
Noun: 1. An arboreal frog with adhesive toe pads: A type of frog that lives in trees and is characterized by having specialized adhesive disks or suckers on its toes, which allow it to climb and cling to surfaces. 2. A distinction from true frogs: This term can specifically refer to certain Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) frogs in this category, distinguishing them from typical ground-dwelling "true frogs."
- The tree-frog clung to the smooth leaf using the sticky disks on its toes.
- We heard the distinctive call of a tree-frog coming from the canopy.
- Biologists study the tree-frog for its remarkable climbing ability.
- The term is often used in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) and in descriptions of tropical and subtropical ecosystems.
- It can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe related concepts: , .
- Tree frog: A common alternative spelling, often written as two separate words.
- Arboreal frog: A more general descriptive term.
- Hylid: A member of the family Hylidae, which includes many species of tree frogs.
- Arboreal amphibian
- Climbing frog
The provided definition highlights two related nuances: 1. The general biological definition: any frog adapted for tree life with adhesive toe pads. 2. A more specific zoological definition: applying particularly to certain Old World species, contrasting them with the family Ranidae (true frogs). In common usage, the first, more general meaning is prevalent.
- any of various Old World arboreal frogs distinguished from true frogs by adhesive suckers on the toes
- arboreal amphibians usually having adhesive disks at the tip of each toe; of southeast Asia and Australia and America