'amphibian' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphibios,' where 'amphi-' meant 'both' and 'bios' meant 'life.'

'amphibios' transformed into the Latin word 'amphibium,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amphibian' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'living both on land and in water,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.