spadefoot toad: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “spadefoot toad” mean?
A burrowing toad native to North America and Europe, named for the hard, spade-like projection on its hind feet used for digging.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A burrowing toad native to North America and Europe, named for the hard, spade-like projection on its hind feet used for digging.
Any amphibian of the family Pelobatidae or Scaphiopodidae, characterized by a fossorial (digging) lifestyle, often spending much of its life underground.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties. The species found differ geographically (e.g., the Common Spadefoot Toad, Pelobates fuscus, is found in Europe; various Scaphiopus species are found in North America).
Connotations
None beyond its scientific/zoological meaning.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to biological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spadefoot toad” in a Sentence
The [species/genus] spadefoot toad [verb]...Spadefoot toads are known for [gerund]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spadefoot toad” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The spadefoot toad population is declining.
- We studied spadefoot toad morphology.
American English
- Spadefoot toad habitats are often temporary ponds.
- The spadefoot toad survey yielded three species.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, and zoology texts and research papers.
Everyday
Very rarely used outside of specific nature discussions or documentaries.
Technical
Precise term for a family of amphibians in herpetology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spadefoot toad”
- Using 'spadefoot toad' as a general term for any toad that digs.
- Confusing it with other burrowing amphibians like 'horned frogs'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Some species have mild skin toxins, but they are not considered dangerously poisonous to humans like some other toads.
They are difficult to keep in captivity due to their specific burrowing needs and diet. They are also protected in many regions.
They have a hard, sharp-edged tubercle (metatarsal tubercle) on each hind foot, used for digging backwards into soil, resembling a small spade.
They burrow deep into the ground and enter a state of estivation (summer dormancy), encasing themselves in a cocoon of shed skin to reduce water loss.
A burrowing toad native to North America and Europe, named for the hard, spade-like projection on its hind feet used for digging.
Spadefoot toad is usually technical, scientific in register.
Spadefoot toad: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪdfʊt təʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪdfʊt toʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"SPADE + FOOT = DIGGING TOAD." Imagine a tiny toad with a small garden spade attached to its foot, digging a hole.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR A PURPOSE (The foot is metaphorically a spade/tool for digging).
Practice
Quiz
Where would you most likely encounter the term 'spadefoot toad'?