adjective
- relating to or resembling a parotid gland; located near the ear
Usage: anatomy, biology
noun
- a gland or gland-like structure in amphibians and reptiles, typically located behind the eye or on the shoulder, that secretes toxins or other substances for defense
Usage: zoology, herpetology
Examples
- The toad's parotoid glands produce a bitter toxin that deters predators.
- Parotoid secretions in some amphibians can cause serious harm to animals that try to eat them.
- The parotoid region of the frog was swollen due to the active glands.
- Scientists studied the parotoid structures of various toad species to understand their defensive mechanisms.
- The salamander's parotoid glands are visible as bumpy ridges along its head.