amphibian etymology

Etymology

The word "amphibian" comes from the Greek words "amphi" (ἀμφί) and "bios" (βίος).

• "Amphi" means "on both sides" or "double."
• "Bios" means "life."

Meaning and Origin

The term "amphibian" was first coined by Aristotle in the 4th century BCE to refer to animals that could live both in water and on land. These animals include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. They are characterized by the following adaptations:

• Semi-aquatic lifestyle: Amphibians spend part of their lives in water and part on land. They typically have moist, permeable skin that allows them to absorb oxygen from water.
• External fertilization: Most amphibians fertilize their eggs outside the female's body, usually in water.
• Early larval stage (tadpoles): Amphibian larvae, known as tadpoles, are aquatic and have fish-like characteristics, such as gills and a tail.
• Metamorphosis: Amphibians undergo metamorphosis, a process of physical and behavioral changes, to transition from the larval to the adult stage.

The term "amphibian" has been used to describe these animals for over two thousand years. It accurately reflects their unique ability to live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

amphibian relate terms

• amphibious

  Etymology Amphibious derives from the Ancient Greek word amphibios which itself is a

• amphibian

  Etymology The word amphibian comes from the Greek words amphi ἀμφί and bios

• amphi

  Etymology Greek ἀμφί amphi Meaning On both sides About around Origin T

• echidna

  Etymology The word echidna comes from the Ancient Greek word ἐχῖδνα ekhídna

• mermaid

  Etymology The word mermaid is derived from two Old English words Mere meaning s

• salamander

  Etymology The word salamander is derived from the Ancient Greek word σαλαμάνδ

• aeroplane

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• airplane

  Etymology Old French avion c 13th century Medieval Latin avis bird Meaning

• panel

  Etymology of Panel The word panel originates from the Middle French panel which in

• penal

  Etymology Penal derives from the Latin word poena meaning punishment or penalty

• plane

  Etymology The word plane has its origins in the Latin word planus which means flat

• frog

  Etymology The word frog comes from the Middle English word frogge which in turn is

• pontoon

  Etymology Pontoon derives from the French word ponton which originated from the Lati