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Amphibious: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：able to live both on land and in water (amphibious)
amphibious
/æmˈfɪbiəs/
adj.
used to describe animals that can live both in water and on land.
able to live both on land and in water
➕
/ˈeɪbəl tuː lɪv boʊθ ɒn lænd ænd ɪn ˈwɔːtər/
adj.
Describes animals that can survive and function in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, typically having adaptations for both habitats.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'amphi' (both) + 'bios' (life), meaning 'having a double life'.
💡 Mnemonic
A 'bi' in 'amphibious' reminds you of two lives: water and land.
📖 Example
Frogs are classic amphibious creatures, starting their lives as tadpoles in water.
Frogs are classic amphibious creatures, starting their lives as tadpoles in water.
🔗 Collocations
amphibious animal – an animal that lives both in water and on land
amphibious species – a species that thrives in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats
amphibious life cycle – a life history that includes both water and land stages
🔄 Synonyms
semiaquatic (adj.) – living partly in water and partly on land
dual-habitat (adj.) – inhabiting two different environments, typically land and water
two-environment (adj.) – adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial conditions
🚫 Antonyms
terrestrial (adj.) – living only on land
aquatic (adj.) – living only in water
marine (adj.) – living only in the sea
🌱 Derivatives
amphibian (n.) – a cold-blooded vertebrate that lives both in water and on land
amphibiously (adv.) – in a manner that involves both land and water
📖 Cultural Story
Coined in English from Greek 'amphi' (both) and 'bios' (life). First used in biology for animals living in water and land. Later extended to military vehicles for land/water operations.
Meaning 2：designed for use on land and water (amphibious)
amphibious
/æmˈfɪbiəs/
adj.
designed to work or travel on both land and water.
designed for use on land and water
➕
/dɪˈzaɪnd fɔːr juːz ɒn lænd ænd ˈwɔːtər/
adj.
Refers to vehicles or equipment engineered to operate effectively on both solid ground and bodies of water, often featuring wheels and a hull.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
During our island tour, we rode in an amphibious bus that drove on roads and then sailed across the river.
During our island tour, we rode in an amphibious bus that drove on roads and then sailed across the river.
🔗 Collocations
amphibious vehicle – a vehicle that can travel on both land and water
amphibious operation – a military or civilian action involving movement from sea to land
amphibious landing – a maneuver where troops or equipment come ashore from water
🔄 Synonyms
all-terrain (adj.) – capable of operating on all types of terrain, including water
dual-purpose (adj.) – serving two different functions, such as land and water travel
convertible (adj.) – able to be changed from one form to another, here from land to water mode
🚫 Antonyms
landlocked (adj.) – confined to land, unable to go on water
submersible (adj.) – designed to operate underwater, not on the surface of water
🌱 Derivatives
amphibian (n.) – a vehicle that can travel on land and water (colloquial)
amphibiously (adv.) – by using both land and water means
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