amphibian — A cold-blooded animal that can live both on land and in water, typically breathing through gills when young and lungs when adult
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A cold-blooded animal that can live both on land and in water, typically breathing through gills when young and lungs when adult
Pronunciation (IPA): /æmˈfɪbiən/
Example Sentences
- The biology teacher brought a live amphibian to class, and half the students screamed when the frog jumped.
- Amphibians are facing extinction due to climate change and habitat destruction.
- My cousin thinks he's an amphibian because he spends equal time in the swimming pool and on his couch.
amphibian
NOUN[/æmˈfɪbiən/]
A cold-blooded animal that can live both on land and in water, typically breathing through gills when young and lungs when adult
A frog, the classic amphibian, hops from pond water onto a sunny rock.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Ancient Greek, combining amphi (both, around) and bios (life), literally meaning 'living a double life.' The term was coined to describe organisms that transition between aquatic and terrestrial environments, reflecting the dual nature of their existence.
Breakdown
amphi- (both, around) + -bios (life, living). The compound describes creatures capable of thriving in two distinct habitats—water and land—simultaneously or sequentially throughout their lifecycle.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The biology teacher brought a live amphibian to class, and half the students screamed when the frog jumped.”
“Amphibians are facing extinction due to climate change and habitat destruction.”
“My cousin thinks he's an amphibian because he spends equal time in the swimming pool and on his couch.”
“The museum's amphibian exhibit features frogs, toads, and salamanders from around the world.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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