from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Salamander \Sal"a*man`der\, n. [F. salamandre, L. salamandra,
Gr. ?; 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]
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.
[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]