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plural tadpoles
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. examples
(by extension) The aquatic larva of any amphibian. examples
A type of cargo bike that has two wheels in front and one in back. examples
(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. quotations examples
Shouldn't you tadpoles be in bed?
1970, Dorothy Clarke Wilson, Lone Woman, page 174
(informal, derogatory) An insignificant person. quotations examples
Woman's voice: You impudent imp! You tadpole! You shrimp!
1900 August 4, The Geelong Advertiser, Victoria, page 6, column 7
“[H]ere's this Tooralooral tadpole of a Mayor shovin' his nose into the business and arrestin' our Puddin' without rhyme or reason.”
1918, Norman Lindsay, The Magic Pudding, page 142