Amphibians are animals such as frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water.
2. countable noun
An amphibian is a vehicle which is able to move on both land and water, or an aeroplane which can land on both land and water.
amphibian in British English
(æmˈfɪbɪən)
noun
1.
any cold-blooded vertebrate of the class Amphibia, typically living on land but breeding in water. Their aquatic larvae (tadpoles) undergo metamorphosis into the adult form. The class includes the newts and salamanders, frogs and toads, and caecilians
2.
a type of aircraft able to land and take off from both water and land
3.
any vehicle able to travel on both water and land
adjective
4. another word for amphibious
5.
of, relating to, or belonging to the class Amphibia
amphibian in American English
(æmˈfɪbiən)
noun
1.
any of a class (Amphibia) of coldblooded, scaleless vertebrates, consisting of frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians, thatusually begin life in the water as tadpoles with gills and later develop lungs
2.
any amphibious animal or plant
3.
any aircraft that can take off from and come down on either land or water
4.
a tank or other vehicle that can travel on either land or water
adjective
5.
of amphibians
6.
amphibious
Word origin
< ModL Amphibia < Gr amphibia, neut. pl. of amphibios: see amphibious
Examples of 'amphibian' in a sentence
amphibian
As a result, we are losing the animals that feed on them: birds and reptiles and amphibians and mammals.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The great man settles himself down next to reptiles and amphibians.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Learn about wonderful birds, amphibians and flowers at this nature reserve.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
If you really struggle, reptiles and amphibians rarely cause problems.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In this country at least, a specialist in reptiles and amphibians has little to show off in terms of identification skills.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The same trends are likely to exist in reptiles, amphibians and fish, but the study focused on mammals because of their rich fossil record.