1. a vertebrate animal having four limbs or legs
Usage: biology
2. a four-legged concrete structure used to prevent erosion along coastlines
Usage: engineering

Examples

• Amphibians were among the first tetrapods to evolve from fish.
• Birds are tetrapods even though their front limbs are wings.
• The harbor was protected by massive concrete tetrapods.
• Engineers placed tetrapods along the seawall to break up wave action.
• Mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are all tetrapods.
• The breakwater consisted of interlocking tetrapods weighing several tons each.