noun
- Plural of parotoid; glandular swellings or ridges located behind the eyes and ears of certain amphibians, especially toads, that secrete toxic or defensive substances.
Usage: zoology; biology
Examples
- The toad's parotoids produce a milky secretion that deters predators.
- Scientists studied the chemical composition of the parotoids in different toad species.
- When threatened, the toad's parotoids release toxins as a defense mechanism.
- The prominent parotoids on the cane toad make it easily recognizable.
- Researchers examined how parotoids develop during the amphibian's life cycle.