amplexus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (C2+)Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “amplexus” mean?
The mating embrace in amphibians (especially frogs and toads), where the male clasps the female from behind to fertilize eggs as she releases them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mating embrace in amphibians (especially frogs and toads), where the male clasps the female from behind to fertilize eggs as she releases them.
In zoology, a similar form of physical embrace during mating observed in some other animal groups, such as certain arthropods, though primarily associated with anurans.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent across both varieties.
Connotations
Purely scientific, without cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to specialist biological texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “amplexus” in a Sentence
[The frogs] were [observed/seen] [in amplexus].[The male] [initiates/engages in] amplexus [with the female].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amplexus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The male toads will amplexus with the females in the breeding pond.
- Once he amplexed, he remained in position for several hours.
American English
- The male frogs amplexus with females in the shallows.
- He amplexed the female in an inguinal hold.
adjective
British English
- The amplexus behaviour was documented.
- An amplexus pair was collected for study.
American English
- Researchers noted the amplexus activity.
- The amplexus posture is species-specific.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, and zoology papers describing amphibian reproduction.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Unfamiliar to the general public.
Technical
The primary context. Precise term for a specific reproductive behaviour in herpetology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amplexus”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amplexus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amplexus”
- Using it to describe human hugging.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈæmplɪksəs/ (am-plix-us) instead of /æmˈplɛksəs/ (am-PLEK-sus).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an amplexus'). It is typically uncountable or used in the phrase 'in amplexus'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a strictly technical zoological term for an amphibian mating behaviour.
It is primarily used as a mass noun (e.g., 'in amplexus'), though back-formation as a verb ('to amplexus'/'amplexed') occurs in specialist writing.
Axillary amplexus is when the male clasps the female behind her forelimbs (armpits). Inguinal amplexus is when the clasp is around the waist or hindlimbs.
No. It is a highly specialized C2-level term. Only learners or professionals in biology/zoology would ever encounter it.
The mating embrace in amphibians (especially frogs and toads), where the male clasps the female from behind to fertilize eggs as she releases them.
Amplexus is usually technical / scientific in register.
Amplexus: in British English it is pronounced /æmˈplɛksəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /æmˈplɛksəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AMPLEXUS' = 'AMP'hibian + 'plexus' (like 'complex' - a connected structure). The complex embrace of amphibians.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MATING RITUAL IS A CLASPING EMBRACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'amplexus' primarily used?