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Glite Dictionary
Bufo microscaphus

Bufo microscaphus

9.9
A small toad with bumpy skin that lives near streams in the US Southwest
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Bufo microscaphus
  • The Bufo microscaphus inhabits the rocky washes of Arizona and Utah.

Examples

  • Unlike other toads, Bufo microscaphus tends to stay close to permanent water sources.

  • Researchers observed several Bufo microscaphus in the streambed after a summer rainstorm.

  • The Bufo microscaphus is often found near streams.

  • Look at that Bufo microscaphus!

  • Researchers observed several Bufo microscaphus in the streambed after a summer rainstorm.

  • The Bufo microscaphus inhabits the rocky washes of Arizona and Utah.

  • The Bufo microscaphus often hides among the wet rocks by the edge of a river.

Synonyms

southwestern toad
vsBufo microscaphus
  • Specialized
9.8

A short, thick toad with bumpy skin that lives near desert streams in the southwestern United States

is smaller in overall size rather than stocky built

Surface Forms

Bufo microscaphus singular
Bufo microscaphi plural

Morphology

Bufo + microscaphus

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name, not a normal English phrase; the second element 'microscaphus' is not a common English word and the species epithet does not transparently convey the detailed meaning. Even if a learner knew 'Bufo' = toad, they would not be able to derive the specific description ('small, uniformly warty toad found in semiarid washes and streams') from the constituents, so the expression is not compositionally predictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Bufo microscaphus comes from old Latin and Greek words: Bufo means 'toad' and micro + scaphus mean 'small' and 'little bowl', which creates the image of a tiny toad in a small pool. So the name helps you remember it is a small, warty toad found in washes and stream pools in dry regions.