Definition

Noun: A foot, typically of a bird or some aquatic animals, that has the toes connected by a fold of skin or membrane. This structure aids in swimming by increasing the surface area used to push against the water.

Usage

The term "webbed foot" is used to describe a specific anatomical feature. It is a countable noun. * Ducks use their webbed feet to paddle efficiently through the water. * The frog's webbed foot is perfectly adapted for its life in ponds. * A key characteristic of many waterfowl is the presence of webbed feet.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in biological and zoological contexts to discuss adaptation and evolution.
  • The development of the webbed foot is a classic example of evolutionary adaptation to an aquatic environment.

Variants and Related Words

• Webbed (adjective): Having toes connected by a web of skin.
  • Ducks have webbed toes.
• Webbing (noun): The fold of skin itself that connects the toes.
  • The webbing between its toes was very pronounced.

Synonyms

• Paddle (noun, informal): Sometimes used to describe a broad, flat limb used for swimming.
• Swimming foot: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.

Different Meanings

The term "webbed foot" has a single, specific biological meaning related to anatomy and adaptation for swimming. It does not have other common metaphorical or idiomatic meanings.

Noun

1. a bird's foot with folds of skin between the toes