Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Salamander?

\Sal"a*man`der\, n. [F. salamandre, L. salamandra, Gr. ?; cf. Per. samander, samandel.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Urodela, belonging to {Salamandra}, {Amblystoma}, {Plethodon}, and various allied genera, especially those that are more or less terrestrial in their habits. Note: The salamanders have, like lizards, an elongated body, four feet, and a long tail, but are destitute of scales. They are true Amphibia, related to the frogs. Formerly, it was a superstition that the salamander could live in fire without harm, and even extinguish it by the natural coldness of its body. I have maintained that salamander of yours with fire any time this two and thirty years. --Shak. Whereas it is commonly said that a salamander extinguisheth fire, we have found by experience that on hot coals, it dieth immediately. --Sir T. Browne. 2. (Zo["o]l.) The pouched gopher ({Geomys tuza}) of the Southern United States. 3. A culinary utensil of metal with a plate or disk which is heated, and held over pastry, etc., to brown it. 4. A large poker. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. 5. (Metal.) Solidified material in a furnace hearth. {Giant salamander}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Giant}. {Salamander's} {hair or wool} (Min.), a species of asbestus or mineral flax. [Obs.] --Bacon.