toad

Everyday

1. A toad is a small animal like a frog, an amphibian, usually with dry, bumpy skin and short legs that make it walk or hop rather than leap. tree →
2. Calling someone a toad is an old insult meaning a nasty person. tree →

In the lessons

In science, toads are amphibians: they lay eggs (spawn, in strings) in water, the eggs hatch into tadpoles, which grow legs and become toads — a life cycle pupils draw. Toads spend more time on land than frogs. Safety: many toads have poison glands — do not lick or eat them, keep dogs away, and wash hands after touching; the cane toad in Australia is poisonous and a pest. In stories: Toad of Toad Hall («The Wind in the Willows»), the frog-prince tales. Phrases: common toad, cane toad, toad spawn, toadstool.

Examples

• A toad has dry, warty skin, but a frog's skin is smooth and wet. tree →
• Toads lay their eggs in long strings. tree →
• The tadpoles will grow into toads. tree →
• Cane toads are a big problem in Queensland. tree →
• Wash your hands after holding a toad. tree →
• Mr Toad loved fast cars. tree →
• A toad sat very still by the pond, waiting for a fly. tree →
• Listen!” replied the great old toad. tree →

Note

Countable: toads. Myth: touching a toad does not give you warts. A «toadstool» is not a stool for toads — it is a mushroom, often poisonous. Toad vs frog: toads usually have drier, bumpier skin, shorter legs, and walk more.