tadpole
UK: ˈtædpəʊl | US: ˈtædpoʊl
n. The larval stage of a frog or toad, characterized by a rounded body, long tail, and gills for aquatic life.
The word "tadpole" literally means "toad head," a playful descriptor for the creature’s appearance—a small, round body (resembling a toad) with a prominent head and tail. The term emerged in Late Middle English, combining tadde (toad) and pol (head), reflecting the folk observation of its shape. Over time, "pole" evolved to emphasize the head-like prominence, while "tad" anchored the connection to amphibians.
The pond was teeming with tadpoles after the spring rains.
Children love watching tadpoles grow legs and transform into frogs.
A tadpole’s tail shrinks as it develops into an adult.
Scientists study tadpoles to understand amphibian life cycles.
She carefully scooped a tadpole into her hands to examine it.