Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Frog?

\Frog\ (fr[o^]g), n. [AS. froggu, frocga a frog (in sensel); akin to D. vorsch, OHG. frosk, G. frosch, Icel. froskr, fraukr, Sw. & Dan. fr["o].] 1. (Zo["o]l.) An amphibious animal of the genus {Rana} and related genera, of many species. Frogs swim rapidly, and take long leaps on land. Many of the species utter loud notes in the springtime. Note: The edible frog of Europe ({Rana esculenta}) is extensively used as food; the American bullfrog ({R. Catesbiana}) is remarkable for its great size and loud voice. 2. [Perh. akin to E. fork, cf. frush frog of a horse.] (Anat.) The triangular prominence of the hoof, in the middle of the sole of the foot of the horse, and other animals; the fourchette. 3. (Railroads) A supporting plate having raised ribs that form continuations of the rails, to guide the wheels where one track branches from another or crosses it. 4. [Cf. fraco of wool or silk, L. floccus, E. frock.] An oblong cloak button, covered with netted thread, and fastening into a loop instead of a button hole. 5. The loop of the scabbard of a bayonet or sword. {Cross frog} (Railroads), a frog adapted for tracks that cross at right angles. {Frog cheese}, a popular name for a large puffball. {Frog eater}, one who eats frogs; -- a term of contempt applied to a Frenchman by the vulgar class of English. {Frog fly}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Frog} hopper. {Frog hopper} (Zo["o]l.), a small, leaping, hemipterous insect living on plants. The larv[ae] are inclosed in a frothy liquid called {cuckoo spit} or {frog spit}. {Frog lily} (Bot.), the yellow water lily ({Nuphar}). {Frog spit} (Zo["o]l.), the frothy exudation of the {frog hopper}; -- called also {frog spittle}. See {Cuckoo spit}, under {Cuckoo}.
\Frog\, v. t. To ornament or fasten (a coat, etc.) with trogs. See {Frog}, n., 4.