salamander
UK[ˈsæləmændə(r)]US[ˈsæləmændər]
n
a small animal that looks like a lizard but has soft skin and lives both on land and in water
n
an imaginary creature in stories that is like a lizard and lives in fire
Etymology
the word entered english in the 14th century via old french 'salamandre', from latin 'salamandra'. this latin term was borrowed from greek 'salamándra'. the greek word's ultimate origin is uncertain, though it is likely pre-greek or of eastern origin. the mythical association with fire, where the creature was believed to live in or withstand flames, arose in classical antiquity and was elaborated in medieval folklore, influencing its dual meaning as both a real amphibian and a fantastical fire-elemental.
Analysis
the word is a loanword adopted as a whole unit. its components within english spelling do not correspond to independent, meaningful morphemes in english.
Examples
we found a spotted salamander under a damp log in the forest.
in the legend, the salamander was a spirit that could survive in the heart of a furnace.
herpetologists study the habitat requirements of various salamander species.