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amplexus

American  
[am-plek-suhs] / æmˈplɛk səs /

noun

plural

amplexuses, amplexus
  1. the clasping posture of fertilization in frogs and toads.


Etymology

Origin of amplexus

1925–30; < New Latin, Latin: embrace, equivalent to amplect ( ī ) to embrace ( am-, variant of ambi- ambi- + plectī, deponent of plectere to plait, twine; complex, plexus ) + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

All the logic and desire that guides a female frog to a specific pond vanishes once she arrives, and a melee ensues as males race to cling to her in a tight embrace called amplexus.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2022

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Bombay Night frogs in Dorsal straddle: a new amplexus mode in frogs.

From The Guardian • Jun. 14, 2016

Male hyalinobatrachines battle on top of leaves and wrestle, with their fighting poses often resembling amplexus.

From Scientific American • Jan. 25, 2013

"Maledictus amor sextus, Maledicta oscula, Sint amplexus maledicti Inferi ligamina."

From The Scarlet Banner by Dahn, Felix

Tenuere parumper Ora metu, tantum nutu motoque salutant Ense suos; mox ut stimulis maioribus ardens 175 Rupit amor leges, audet transcendere vallum Miles, in amplexus effusas tendere palmas.

From Helps to Latin Translation at Sight by Luce, Edmund