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]