Wednesday, 4 March 2026

How the Greek language influenced English with the word 'amphibian'

'Amphibian' is a word borrowed from Greek 'amphibios'. The word entered the English language some time around 1835.


amphibian [noun] [1835]
  • an organism
  • any of a class (Amphibia) of cold-blooded vertebrates (as frogs, toads, or salamanders) intermediate in many characters...
  • an amphibious vehicle
  • an airplane designed to take off from and land on either land or water
See 'amphibian' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Greek.

note: In the sense ‘having two modes of existence or of doubtful nature': amphi (both) + bios (life).
Etymology: Ultimately from Greek 'amphibion' amphibious being, from neuter of 'amphibios'
See more loan words from 1800s.


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