- Toad
- Toad Toad, n. [OE. tode, tade, AS. t[=a]die, t[=a]dige; of
unknown origin. Cf. {Tadpole}.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of batrachians belonging to the
genus {Bufo} and allied genera, especially those of the
family {Bufonid[ae]}. Toads are generally terrestrial in
their habits except during the breeding season, when they
seek the water. Most of the species burrow beneath the earth
in the daytime and come forth to feed on insects at night.
Most toads have a rough, warty skin in which are glands that
secrete an acrid fluid.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The common toad ({Bufo vulgaris}) and the natterjack are familiar European species. The common American toad ({Bufo lentiginosus}) is similar to the European toad, but is less warty and is more active, moving chiefly by leaping. [1913 Webster]
{Obstetrical toad}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Obstetrical}.
{Surinam toad}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Pita}.
{Toad lizard} (Zo["o]l.), a horned toad.
{Toad pipe} (Bot.), a hollow-stemmed plant ({Equisetum limosum}) growing in muddy places. --Dr. Prior.
{Toad rush} (Bot.), a low-growing kind of rush ({Juncus bufonius}).
{Toad snatcher} (Zo["o]l.), the reed bunting. [Prov. Eng.]
{Toad spittle}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Cuckoo spit}, under {Cuckoo}.
{Tree toad}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Tree}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
