amplexus

[ am-plek-suhs ]

noun

, plural am·plex·us·es, am·plex·us.

1. the clasping posture of fertilization in frogs and toads.

Word History and Origins

Origin of amplexus¹

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

Amplexus and spawning occur mainly within a day or two after the frogs reach the ponds.

From Project Gutenberg

In amplexus the members of a pair sometimes become glued together by their viscous dermal secretions.

From Project Gutenberg

In cuius amplexus desideratissimos ruens rex, ipsam in maius quam dici possit gaudium suscepit.

From Project Gutenberg

Quod prdicta oscula et amplexus essent immunes a motu libidinis et essent motiva maxim humiliationis ex supposita unione cum Deo.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the specimens contain producti, and fragments of the coral named amplexus.

From Project Gutenberg