Giant salamander

Salamander Sal"a*man`der, n. [F. salamandre, L. salamandra, Gr. ?; cf. Per. samander, samandel.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) 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. (Zo["o]l.) 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}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Giant}.

{Salamander's hair} or {Salamander's wool} (Min.), a species of asbestos or mineral flax. [Obs.] --Bacon. [1913 Webster]