salamander
UK: ˈsæləmændə | US: ˈsæləmændər
n. A small amphibian resembling a lizard, typically with moist skin and a long tail.
n. (Mythology) A mythical creature believed to live in or withstand fire.
n. (Historical) A metal plate heated to glow, used in alchemy or early chemistry.
The word "salamander" traces back to Greek "salamandra," likely borrowed from Persian or another ancient Near Eastern language. The Greek root "salam-" originally referred to the amphibian, but medieval European folklore (influenced by Aristotle and Pliny) associated it with fire resistance, leading to its mythical meaning. The "-ander" suffix is a common noun-ending adaptation in Latin and later English. The dual meaning reflects both biological reality and legendary exaggeration.
The spotted salamander hides under damp logs in the forest.
In medieval tales, a salamander could survive flames unharmed.
Alchemists used a salamander-shaped device to heat substances.
Scientists study salamanders for their regenerative abilities.
The word "salamander" appears in Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a fire-spirit.