Tad·pole n.
 1. Zool. 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.
 2. Zool. The hooded merganser. [Local, U. S.]
 Tadpole fish. Zool. See Forkbeard (a).

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 Fork·beard n. Zool. (a) A European fish (Raniceps raninus), having a large flat head; -- also called tadpole fish, and lesser forked beard. (b) The European forked hake or hake's-dame (Phycis blennoides); -- also called great forked beard.

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