Amphibiously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amphibiously

[æmˈfɪbɪəsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

movement, habitat

Amphibiously refers to the ability to operate or exist in both water and on land. It is often used in the context of animals that can thrive in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Synonyms

aquatically, terrestrially.

Examples of usage

  • The frog lives amphibiously, jumping between the pond and the fields.
  • Certain vehicles are designed to function amphibiously, allowing them to travel on both land and water.
  • Amphibiously adapted species showcase remarkable evolutionary traits.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Amphibious animals, like frogs and salamanders, start life in water as eggs and transform into land-dwelling adults.
  • These creatures have unique adaptations, such as permeable skin that allows them to absorb water and respiration through both gills and lungs.
  • The role of amphibious species in ecosystems includes controlling insect populations and serving as indicators of environmental health.

Technology

  • Amphibious vehicles are designed to travel on land and water, showcasing advancements in multi-environment transportation.
  • The concept is used in military operations, enabling movement in diverse terrains and improving strategic advantage.
  • Amphibious drones are being developed for surveillance missions in areas where traditional vehicles cannot operate.

Cultural References

  • In mythology, amphibious creatures, like mermaids, embody the blend of water and land narratives.
  • Film and literature often portray amphibious themes to explore duality, with characters straddling two worlds, like in 'The Shape of Water'.
  • Amphibians frequently appear in folklore, symbolizing transformation and adaptability.

Environmental Science

  • Amphibious environments, such as wetlands, are crucial for biodiversity, offering habitats for many species.
  • These ecosystems help filter water and control flooding, demonstrating their importance in mitigating climate change effects.
  • Conservation efforts focus on protecting amphibious habitats due to declining amphibian populations worldwide.

Origin of 'amphibiously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'amphibios', meaning 'both kinds of life'.
  • It combines 'amphi', meaning 'on both sides', and 'bios', meaning 'life'.
  • The term first appeared in English in the early 1600s.

The word 'amphibiously' is derived from the Greek word 'amphibios', which means 'living a double life'. This term has its roots in 'amphi-', meaning 'both' or 'on both sides', and 'bios', meaning 'life'. Amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, are animals that exemplify this dual life as they can dwell in aquatic environments and on land. The adverb form 'amphibiously' was formed by adding the suffix '-ously' to the base adjective. Over time, this term has been expanded beyond biology to describe any phenomena that can occur in two distinct environments or modes of operation.