salamander

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsaləˌmandə/

noun

  • 1a newt-like amphibian that typically has bright markings, once thought able to endure fire.
    • Order Urodela: four families, in particular Salamandridae, and numerous species
  • 2a mythical lizard-like creature said to live in fire or to be able to withstand its effects.
  • an elemental spirit living in fire.
  • 3a metal plate heated and placed over food to brown it.
  • 4 archaic a red-hot iron or poker.

Derivatives

salamandrine

Pronunciation: /-ˈmandrɪn/
adjective

Origin:

Middle English (in salamander (sense 2)): from Old French salamandre, via Latin from Greek salamandra. Sense 1 dates from the early 17th century