salamander

• Sustantivo que designa un anfibio de aspecto similar a un lagarto, generalmente terrestre, que vuelve al agua solo para reproducirse; también una criatura mítica reptiliana que se creía capaz de vivir en el fuego, o una barra metálica usada para remover el fuego.

A noun referring to a typically terrestrial amphibian that resembles a lizard and returns to water only to breed, or a mythical reptilian creature believed to live in fire, or a metal rod used to stir a fire.

1. B1formal

   A small, lizard-like amphibian that typically lives on land but returns to water to breed.

   Anfibio salamandra

   • The spotted salamander hides under logs in damp forests.
   • Salamanders breathe through their skin and must stay moist.
   • We found a bright orange salamander near the stream.

   Sinónimoscaudateurodele

2. Mythical fire creatureB2formal

   A legendary reptile believed to be able to live in or withstand fire.

   Salamandra mitológica

   • Medieval bestiaries described the salamander as a creature born in flames.
   • The salamander was thought to extinguish fire with its cold body.
   • Alchemists used the salamander as a symbol of fire resistance.

3. Fireplace toolC1formalbritish

   A metal rod with a handle, used for stirring a fire or moving burning logs.

   Atizador

   • He used the salamander to rearrange the glowing coals.
   • The antique fireplace set included a salamander and a poker.
   • She tapped the log with the salamander to make the fire burn brighter.

   Sinónimospoker