Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tongueless frog native to Africa; established in the United States as a result of release of laboratory and aquarium animals: Xenopus laevis is a specific species of aquatic frog. It is characterized by the absence of a tongue and originates from sub-Saharan Africa. It has become an invasive species in some regions, like parts of the United States, primarily due to accidental or intentional release from scientific and pet trade contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The developmental biologist studied the embryo of Xenopus laevis.
  • Xenopus laevis is a common model organism in laboratories.
  • The spread of Xenopus laevis in California waterways is an ecological concern.

Advanced Usage

• As a model organism: The term is frequently used in scientific contexts to refer to this species' role in biological and medical research, particularly in developmental biology, cell biology, and toxicology.
  • The discovery was made using Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Variants and Related Words

• African clawed frog: This is the common name for .
• Xenopus: The genus name. When used alone, it often informally refers to , but the genus contains other species.
• Model organism: A phrase describing its primary use in scientific research.

Synonyms

• African clawed frog: The most common synonym.
• Laboratory frog: A contextual synonym highlighting its primary modern use.

Related Terms and Contexts

• Invasive species: A term describing its status in non-native habitats like the United States.
• Tongueless frog: A descriptive term referencing a key anatomical feature of the species.

Noun

1. a tongueless frog native to Africa; established in the United States as result of release of laboratory and aquarium animals