frog
UK: frɒɡ | US: frɑːɡ
n. a small tailless amphibian with moist skin, long hind legs for leaping, and typically living in water or damp habitats
n. (offensive) a derogatory term for a French person
n. (mechanics) a grooved metal plate used in machinery
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The word "frog" originates from Old English frogga, likely derived from Proto-Germanic fruʒgô. Its exact deeper roots are unclear, but it may be connected to an ancient imitative or expressive term for the animal's movement or sound. Unlike many Latin-derived scientific terms, "frog" retains its compact Germanic structure, resisting further morpheme division. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically (e.g., mechanical "frog") and culturally (slang for French people, from 18th-century stereotypes).
A tiny green frog leaped into the pond.
The biology class studied the life cycle of a common frog.
(Historical) 19th-century texts sometimes used "frog" as a slur against French immigrants.
The railroad switch’s frog ensures smooth track transitions.
Children giggled at the frog’s croaking sounds.