Polliwog vs. Tadpole — What's the Difference?

See tadpole.

A tadpole is the larval stage in the life cycle of an amphibian. Most tadpoles are fully aquatic, though some species of amphibians have tadpoles that are terrestrial.

A tadpole.

The aquatic larva of a frog or toad, having gills, a long, laterally compressed tail, and in early stages, no limbs. During metamorphosis of a tadpole into an adult, legs and lungs develop, and the tail gradually disappears. Also called polliwog.

A larval frog or toad

A young toad or frog in its larval stage of development that lives in water, has a tail and no legs, and, like a fish, breathes through gills.

(by extension) The aquatic larva of any amphibian.

A type of cargo bike that has two wheels in front and one in back.

(psychology) A child's basic drawing of a human being, having a detailed head but only sticks for the body and limbs.

(informal) A small child.

The young aquatic larva of any amphibian. In this stage it breathes by means of external or internal gills, is at first destitute of legs, and has a finlike tail. Called also polliwig, polliwog, porwiggle, or purwiggy.

The hooded merganser.

A larval frog or toad