As a noun, an animal like a frog, toad, or salamander that can live both in water and on land. As an adjective, it describes something that operates in two different environments, such as an amphibian vehicle.
From Greek *amphibios* (“living a double life”), from *amphi-* (“both, on both sides”) and *bios* (“life”). The Latin form *amphibium* led to English “amphibian.”
Amphibians are literally “double-lifers,” built from Greek roots for “both” and “life.” Tadpoles in water and frogs on land perfectly illustrate that two-stage existence. The same idea powers “amphibious” military vehicles that swim and drive.
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