Definition

A young frog or toad, especially in its early stage when it is still swimming and has a tail.

Example

The pond was full of polliwogs swimming around.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a polliwog before?

Yeah, I saw some when I was a kid playing by the pond.

They look so funny when they start swimming around.

I know, right? It's amazing how they change into frogs later!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'polliwog' originates from Middle English 'polliwogge', which is derived from the Old English 'poliwog', meaning tadpole. The term combines 'poll' (meaning head) and 'wig' (meaning creature or animal). Thus, 'polliwog' refers to a creature with a head, specifically a tadpole before it develops into a frog.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'head' ('poll') and a 'creature' ('wig') to remember that a polliwog is a young tadpole, a creature with a head.

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