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tadpole

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tadpole

Main Entry:: tad·pole
Pronunciation:: \ˈtad-ˌpōl\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English taddepol, from tode toad + polle head
Date:: 15th century

: a larval amphibian ; specifically : a frog or toad larva that has a rounded body with a long tail bordered by fins and external gills soon replaced by internal gills and that undergoes a metamorphosis to the adult

[tadpole illustration]

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