noun
salamander
A mythical creature believed to live in fire.
In the legend, a salamander lives unharmed among the flames.
Etymology
The animal-name became attached to legends that salamanders could withstand or inhabit fire. The mythical creature preserves that ancient belief.
More examples
- The old tale describes salamanders that make their homes in fire.
- A tapestry shows a mythical salamander surrounded by flames.
- The wizard summons a salamander from the blazing hearth.
Forms
salamander · salamanders
Similar words
- fire spirit
- Names any supernatural fire being, not specifically the legendary salamander.
- elemental
- Refers to a spirit of any element, not just fire.