am|phib|i|an

am|phib|i|an «am FIHB ee uhn», noun, plural -i|ans, -i|a «-ee uh», adjective.

–n.

1. one of a class of cold-blooded vertebrates having a usually moist skin without scales. Frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders are amphibians. Their eggs are laid in water, where the young hatch and usually develop as tadpoles (larval stage) that have gills for breathing. Later they develop legs and most develop lungs, though some salamanders never do.

2. an animal that lives both on land and in water but is unable to breathe under water. Crocodiles, seals, and beavers are amphibians.

3. a plant that grows on land or in water.

4. an aircraft that can take off from and land on either land or water.

5. a tank, truck, or other vehicle able to travel across land or water.

6. Figurative. a person who has a twofold character or leads a double life.

–adj.

1. able to live both on land and in water.

2. that can start from and land on either land or water; amphibious.