frog

frog [frôg, fräg]

n.

[ME frogge < OE frogga, akin to Ger frosch, ON froskr < IE base * preu-, to jump > Sans právatē, (he) hops]

1.

a) any of various families of tailless, leaping anuran amphibians with long, powerful hind legs, short forelegs, a smooth skin, and webbed feet: it develops from a tadpole, and most species, when grown, are able to live either in water or on land that is near water

b) a toad

2. a triangular, horny pad in the posterior half of the sole of a horse's foot

3. a fastening on a belt for carrying a sword, bayonet, etc.

4. a corded or braided loop used as a fastener or decoration on clothing

☆ 5. a device on railroad tracks for keeping cars on the proper rails at intersections or switches

6. a device placed in a bowl or vase to hold the stems of flowers

7. that part of the bow of a stringed instrument, including the nut, by which the bow is held

8. [sometimes F-] Slang a French person: term of contempt or derision

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have a frog in one's throat

to experience temporary hoarseness due to throat irritation