Definition of tadpole
: 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
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Illustration of tadpole
Origin and Etymology of tadpole
Middle English taddepol, from tode toad + polle head
First Known Use: 15th century
TADPOLE Defined for English Language Learners
tadpole
playDefinition of tadpole for English Language Learners
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: a small creature that becomes an adult frog or toad, that has a rounded body and a long tail, and that lives in water
TADPOLE Defined for Kids
tadpole
playDefinition of tadpole for Students
: the larva of a frog or toad that has a long tail, breathes with gills, and lives in water
History for tadpole
A young tadpole, which looks like a large head with a tail, will in time become a toad or a frog. The English word tadpole comes from a Middle English compound word taddepol, made up from tadde, “toad,” and pol, “head.”
Learn More about tadpole
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See words that rhyme with tadpole Spanish Central: Translation of tadpole Nglish: Translation of tadpole for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tadpole for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tadpole
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