Word
amphibian
Phoneticsam·phib·ian
US/æmˈfɪbiən/
UK/æmfˈɪbiən/
Countable noun Zoology
Definition
n. an animal that lives both in water and on land. Frogs, toads, and newts are all examples of this.
n. a cold-blooded vertebrate that typically lives in water as a larva and on land as an adult. Includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.
Examples
“The frog is a common example of an amphibian.”
“Many amphibians are sensitive to changes in their environment, making them important indicators of ecosystem health.”
“Unlike reptiles, which have dry, scaly skin, amphibians possess moist, permeable skin that allows for gas exchange and makes them highly susceptible to environmental toxins.”
Examples
simple
“The frog is a common example of an amphibian.”
contextual
“Many amphibians are sensitive to changes in their environment, making them important indicators of ecosystem health.”
complex
“Unlike reptiles, which have dry, scaly skin, amphibians possess moist, permeable skin that allows for gas exchange and makes them highly susceptible to environmental toxins.”
Real-World Examples
“The extinct spadefoot toad, now named Spea labreae , represents the first new extinct amphibian species discovered from the famous fossil site.” “In Ecuador, the Photo Ark has highlighted amphibians, many of which may be extinct in the country due to disease and habitat loss.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin amphibius [from Ancient Greek ἀμφίβιος (amphíbios), from ἀμφίς (amphís, “of both kinds”) + βίος (bíos, “life”)] + -an.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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