bell toad
- noun
- Specialized
:
sapo campana
- The unique taillike organ of the bell toad sets it apart from other frogs.
Examples
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Scientists studied the mating calls of the bell toad in its natural habitat.
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Children enjoyed spotting a bell toad during their field trip in California.
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The bell toad is known for its unique appearance.
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I spotted a bell toad near the pond yesterday.
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During a hiking trip, we were thrilled to find a bell toad near the stream in the woods.
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Researchers observed how the bell toad uses its taillike organ to attract mates during the breeding season.
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The bell toad is easily recognizable due to its distinctive body shape compared to other amphibians.
Synonyms
A frog from western North America that keeps a tail-like part used in mating
A frog from western North America with a tail like body part used in mating
A frog from western North America with a tail-like organ used in mating
A small frog from western North America with a tail-like organ in males used to mate
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is a regular compound of 'bell' (bell-shaped form) + 'toad' (an amphibian), so a B1 learner who knows both words would reasonably infer it refers to a toad characterized by a bell-like shape or association with 'bell'. This follows standard English noun–noun composition rather than an idiomatic or metaphorical shift, so no special prior exposure is required.
Etymology
Bell toad may get its name from the animal's small, rounded body or from a clear ringing call that reminded people of a little bell, and it is a kind of toad with a short tail-like part. That's why the name now means this specific frog.
