parotoidn.adj.
/pəˈrəʊtɔɪd/, /ˈparətɔɪd/, U.S. /pəˈroʊˌtɔɪd/, /ˈpɛrəˌtɔɪd/ Zoology.
A. n.
Either of a pair of cutaneous glandular areas which form large warty swellings behind the eyes in some amphibians, esp. toads, sometimes extending on to the neck or shoulder and often producing a toxic secretion.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > amphibians > order Anura or Salienta (frogs and toads) > [noun] > member of > parts of
parotoid1871
brow-spot1875
sphenethmoid bone1875
suprascapula1888
thumb-pad1965
1871 L. Colange Zell's Pop. Encycl. 1008/1 The parotoids exude a fetid and rather acrid milky secretion.
1935 Amer. Midland Naturalist 16 282 Specimens..have the parotoids very nearly or quite in contact with the postorbital ridges.
1979 Evolution 33 1093/1 The parotoids were of intermediate size and shape.
2001 Amphibia Reptilia 22 141 Large warts ventral to the parotoids showed differences between the two subspecies [of toad].
B. adj.
Designating or relating to such a gland.
ΚΠ
1873 St. G. Mivart Lessons Elem. Anat. xii. 488 The so-called ‘parotoid’ glands, as in the common Toad.
1901 Science 1 Mar. 343/1 The secretion of its cutaneous and parotoid glands, when injected into the circulation of dogs, fowls or frogs has poisonous effects.
1961 Evolution 15 355/1 A group of indole derivatives known as bufotenines, found in parotoid secretions of several other toad species.
1993 M. W. Klemens Amphibians & Reptiles Connecticut iv. 100 The enlarged parotoid glands and warty skin produce a noxious toxin which affords this species protection against many mammalian predators.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.adj.1871