salamander

n. [ F. salamandre, L. salamandra, Gr. &unr_;; cf. Per. samander, samandel. ] 1. (Zool.) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I have maintained that salamander of yours with fire any time this two and thirty years. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) The pouched gopher (Geomys tuza) of the Southern United States. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A culinary utensil of metal with a plate or disk which is heated, and held over pastry, etc., to brown it. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A large poker. [ Prov. Eng. ] Halliwell. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Metal.) Solidified material in a furnace hearth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Giant salamander. (Zool.) See under Giant. --
Salamander's hair or
Salamander's wool (Min.), a species of asbestos or mineral flax. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]