toad
UK: təʊd | US: toʊd
n. A tailless amphibian with short limbs and warty skin, typically living on land but breeding in water.
n. (Informal) A contemptible or unpleasant person.
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The word "toad" originates from Old English tādige or tāde, of uncertain deeper etymology. It is a Germanic residue word with no clear prefix/root/suffix structure. Unlike many scientific terms, "toad" belongs to the category of ancient core nouns describing natural objects, evolving directly from Proto-Germanic without compounding. Its spelling and meaning have remained remarkably stable since Middle English.
A toad hopped across the garden path after the rain.
In folklore, witches were said to use toads in their potions.
He’s such a toad—always sneaking around and lying.
The children squealed when they found a toad under the log.
Toads secrete toxins through their skin as a defense mechanism.